Just read a blog post that got me thinking about growing up being a chubby kid. I remember being told all the time I was fat or chubby. People would joke around about it. I remember feeling fat in a swim suit when I was 6. No 6 year old should feel like that. Sometimes it makes me angry I wasn't given better choices when I was younger. I know the decisions I make now are my own but I feel its easier to make healthier food choices when that is started as a young child.
My dad is a real meat and potatoes kind of person. All I remember eating growing up is fried greasy food. Steak, potatoes, fried chicken, spaghetti, fast food...the list goes on. I remember some nights just the smell of the grease making my stomach hurt. My dad use to (or I guess he still does actually) say things like "you need to quit eating or you're going to blow up." Yet I was never given any healthier choices when I was young. I ate what they did. I just don't understand the criticism without any help or advice, especially for a young child.
I have a daughter who is 3. Bella.
She still has some baby fat on her. The doctor tells me she is right on the line of normal/overweight. He said he is not concerned just makes sure she eats healthy stuff and gets some activity in. My daughter is now taking dance and soccer once a week. We also start gymnastics this month. My daughter still eats happy meals like all kids but I give her healthier options. Yet when I offer my daughter some whole grain bread instead of white bread or actually read the nutritional info on a package my dad tells me I'm trying to turn her into a "health nut". Can't win here can I?
I never felt pretty growing up. I don't remember anyone ever telling me so either. When I look back at pictures of me, for instance like the picture of me in that swimming suit I felt so fat in, I didn't look fat at all. I was a little chubby but was by no means obese.
I tell my daughter she is smart and beautiful everyday,
several times a day. My mom says I'm going to give her a big head. My take is that I'd rather her have a big head (because we all know
those girls in high school whos main goal is to knock you down a feel notches) and feel confident than let her life pass her by.
I will continue to give my daughter better food options than what I was given. I also want to teach her what I've learned thru WW. About healthier substitutions, empty calories, treats in moderation. I by no means what her to be 98lbs and a size zero but I don't want her to be my age and on Metformin trying to break lifelong bad habits. I want her to feel educated about what she puts in her body.
And again, I will remind her how beautiful and smart she is EVERY.SINGLE.DAY....
So in case you are in need of some beautiful today......
