The "O" word.

Obesity. We don't like talking about it, we don't want to know the truth, and we don't want to hear it from others. It's nothing new....food is comforting, and junk food is cheap. Too much junk food can also be deadly. Diabetes in young children is growing like wild fire! Very scary.

Just this week, the Washington Post came out with an article about childhood obesity in the U.S. For some reason I thought we were getting better about this, but apparently not! The article is a good one and truthful one. Saying that it's hard to beat obesity "with the effects of poverty, race, and family history". Not to mention high crime areas where kids can't safely go outside to play.

It is possible to beat obesity without using poverty, race, and family history as an excuse. There is really no excuse to be obese unless you have a medical condition. People can change no matter who they are or where they have come from. I have seen it many many times and have so much respect for those people who did something about their condition. It takes bravery, commitment, faith, and determination.

In fact, I have experienced that once you stop eating all that junk food for a few days, you don't crave it anymore. It's weird how it works, but it does work. Maybe the body is getting rid of all the toxins and says to the brain, "stop eating that junk, it's hurting me!" The hardest part about doing this is getting over that hump, the 2nd or 3rd day. After that, it's easy. Try it, I dare you!

As for our cute little dependent children. We need to feed them healthy snacks and meals; and make sure they are drinking more water and less soda and sugary juices. Eat by example. The whole house will be happier. And Exercise, exercise, exercise! It's a great way for kids to manage their stress and release their energy. It feeds their soul joy and imagination. Who doesn't like to play outside? Play with them!

I can't express enough how delicious, healthy, and low-fat the fruit snacks we sell in our store are. My 22 month old LOVES the Kettle Valley Real Fruit Snacks. He devours it in two minutes or less. It's a perfect healthy snack that kids love.