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Becoming an Opti-Mom

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Becoming an "Opti-Mom"

By: Michelle Garner, Stroller Strides franchisee

Description: Learn the 11 Commandments & Join Bakersfield's Stroller Strides

Topics: Bakersfield, Bakersfield family, Bakersfield exercise, Bakersfield health, Bakersfield fitness, Bakersfield nutrition, Bakersfield mommy and me
Posted by strollergirl Wed Sep 5, 2007 14:55:07 PDT
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We’ve all heard about the childhood obesity epidemic, the amount of overweight adults in America, but what have you heard about those parents who are obsessive calorie counters and compulsive about their exercise regimen? Recent studies have shown that a mom’s dieting habits can have a negative influence on children, since children learn so much through observation. Experts now say that watching mom constantly dieting, speaking negatively of her own body or that of others, or exercising compulsively (or not at all) can all possibly lead to an unhealthy fixation on body image and dieting. No one wants this for their children.

We all have insecurities about our bodies, so what is a mom to do? Lisa Druxman, Chief Founding Mother of Stroller Strides™ and author of the new book, Lean Mommy asserts that we need to work at becoming “Opti-Moms.” According to Druxman, “And Opti-Mom chooses healthy foods, is physically active every day, and models positive attitudes. Everything from a loud pronouncement to a small under-the-breath comment will have a powerful effect on the way a child views themselves and others, and as parents, it’s our responsibility to transmit positive messages – whether we believe them or not.”

Sound challenging? To make it easier for you, Druxman has created 11 Commandments to help you achieve Opti-Mom status:

Turn off the TV: Clever advertisements still blast out strong messaging that’s designed to capture kids’ interest in junk foods. The more time they’re in front of the TV, the more likely they are to battle obesity.
Teach your child to cook: When parents eat healthfully, so do kids (and vice versa). Get your kids excited about healthy eating by growing veggies together, letting them mix and pour, talking about what’s going into your meals.
Don’t force food: Forcing veggies on a kid will not lead to a love of all things healthy! Try fixing veggies only for you and don’t serve them to the kids. When they ask why, tell them something to the effect, “These will make you strong like a superhero and I’m just not ready for that yet.” They’ll come around quickly!
Expose them to the best (not the rest): Why give a child a highly-processed chicken nugget when they can have a grilled chicken breast instead? Offering them berries for dessert will be a treat for your child if you present it that way. Children will not crave these addictive foods unless they are exposed to them.
Beware of getting defensive: Just because you grew up eating junk and turned out ok doesn’t mean your child will. If you crave junk food, you’re going to have to train yourself to eat healthier foods. This way, both you and your child can grow used to good foods and have fewer junk food cravings.
Don’t glorify junk food: If you happen to splurge on a milkshake in front of your child, treat it like an iced tea, minimizing its importance and not acting as if it’s a prized reward to be craved. Later, don’t focus on how guilty you feel having eaten it!
Don’t treat boredom with food: Using Cheerios to alleviate an anxious whine? Stop! You’re teaching your child that food treats boredom and anxiety! If your child’s not actually hungry, encourage them to entertain themselves in a more positive way.
Label food and fitness in a positive way: Don’t treat exercise and healthy food as something you force yourself to endure. Create fun names for your healthy food like “Hulk Juice” for a veggie drink. Don’t resist outdoor playtime because you’re “too tired.” You want your kids to see that you find exercise energizing, not the opposite.
NEVER disparage yourself of others: STOP body-bashing yourself and others. Make sure you don’t project your weight and body issues on your children. As with any prejudice, attitudes towards overweight or thin people are learned!
Find creative ways to relax: Just as you shouldn’t reach for the ice cream when you’re stressed, you shouldn’t offer a cookie or DVD to coax your child out of a tantrum. If your child is stressed or upset, suggest physical activity (a bike ride or walk) or special bubbles in the bath. Make sure your child sees you de=stressing in a non-food related manner as well.
Keep Daddy in line, too! Dads can sometimes thwart your Opti-Mom efforts by complaining about the ‘health food’ or by bringing home treats. Children often side with dad in this power game. Make sure you educate Dad about why these changes are important so that you can present a united front for the children, even if he isn’t ready to revamp his own lifestyle just yet.

Need more support in your journey to becoming an Opti-Mom? Druxman’s company, Stroller Strides™, has a franchise in Bakersfield! Come out for your free trial class Monday, Wednesday, or Friday at 9:00 a.m. at Riverwalk Park. Stroller Strides™ also offers social support through playgroups and Mom’s Nights Out. Log on to www.strollerstrides.net/bakersfield for more details. You can also purchase your copy of Lean Mommy (Center Street, 2007) from any major bookstore or your local Stroller Strides™ franchisee.

Michelle Garner is a local elementary school teacher and Stroller Strides™ franchisee. Garner has a passion for health and fitness and enjoys helping women to become positive role models for their children.

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