Children’s Diets & Exercise

Diet & Exercise = Healthy Kids

Children need a natural whole food diet and plenty of exercise to live a long and healthy life. Most people think that diet means to lose weight, when in fact it means to eat so that you can sustain life. One of the reasons we are seeing “old people” diseases in young people is that kids are getting less exercise and fewer natural foods. As adults we are responsible for creating an environment for our children to live healthy. The way to do this is to give them a healthy diet and encourage exercise. Creating a diet for your children that is rich in whole foods is the best gift you can give to your children.

Kids Like To Be Like Dad

My personal trainer, who is a power lifter and trainer for power lifters, is Niko Hulslunder. He has three kids who spend a good bit of time at the gym while Dad is working. Children emulate their parents, so of course they pick up some of the enthusiasm for power lifting from Dad. At the last power lifting competition I attended, they had a segment after the main competition for the kids. It wasn’t really a contest, just an extra event for them, so that they were involved.

Nate performs a 120 pound dead lift. He is in first grade.

Don’t Stress The Kids

Today, many families have the kids in so many activities that they are actually experiencing stress from the lack of “play” time. Children are too young to cope with stress. Stress reduces the body’s immune system. Be sure that your children’s activities are fun for them and do not create any added stress to their lives. Your family should have time for quality meals at the dinner table and time to play too. Kids need to play. Sports are important in children’s lives. Not only are they fun, they will also teach kids teamwork, commitment, structure, discipline as well as provide exercise. Children who are active in sports are 30% less likely to get involved in drugs. Remember not to over commit your children and/or the family to activities that limit quality, relaxing time. It is just as important to have family meals and relaxing walks or time at the park, as it is to be a part of sports or other activities.

Gabe, age 5, performs his successful dead lift of 85 pounds.

Whole Food = Healthy Kids

Whole food means “not processed”. Much of the food that we buy today is made up of chemicals, manufactured ingredients or non-food additives. The best eating choices start at the grocery store. The person doing the family shopping has a huge impact on the overall health of the family. The simple task of checking the ingredients list will improve the long term health of your family and children tremendously. Whole, real food provides vitamins, minerals and the building blocks of life. With proper diet and plenty of exercise, children can look forward to a healthy life because of a strong immune system. Kids who have a healthy diet, and who experience the value of exercise for stress management when they are young, can expect to live a long and healthy life free of disease.

Deb Bixler Age 55 setting the PA State Record For Age and Weight Class