Happy Valentine's Day!

Just sent my kids off to school armed with their homemade valentines for their classroom parties and got to thinking about how grateful I am that we moved to a new school that actually allows 'real' parties!  Our previous school district had this rule - which I personally disagree with vehemently - where kids were only allowed to bring in 'healthy' treats for school celebrations.  No cookies, cupcakes, candy, etc. - ever!  Now,  I understand when you have upwards of 20 kids in a class how it could get a little out of hand to have every kid bringing in cupcakes and candy for his/her birthday - so I can see how they might want to curtail that.  But to disallow holiday party treats altogether? That's just wrong!!! Holidays and special occasions are MEANT to be celebrated! This is when kids SHOULD be having cupcakes and candy and potato chips and fruit punch - and not every day after school...

The obesity crisis in this country didn't happen overnight and it sure as heck didn't happen as a result of kids (or adults) having a cupcake or two at a holiday party.  The health issues we face have come from our society systematically and consistently increasing portion sizes, increasing sugary food intake, decreasing exercise and increasing the amount of time spent in sedentary activities like watching TV and playing video games.  I believe that these schools that disallow 'treats' at parties are sending the wrong message.  Their hearts are likely in the right place and they're trying to help educate the kids on healthy eating habits - but I believe knowing WHEN to allow yourself a treat is actually a healthy habit! And frankly, if they're THAT concerned with kids' health and wellness, they'll start taking a look at their own school lunch menus - CRAPAPALOOZA!!  But that's a topic for another time...

Don't be afraid to allow yourself a little treat today! Remember, it's not the occasional treat that makes people unhealthy and unfit - you aren't going to get 'fat' from one day where you have a few cookies or a brownie, or even an entire pan of brownies.  What matters are the little things that you do (or don't do) on a daily basis to manage your health and fitness.  The cumulative effects of not taking 15-30 minutes to workout, of eating an extra serving at dinner, of having dessert EVERY DAY, of binge drinking every weekend, etc. - those little things done consistently over time are what will cumulatively make the difference between achieving or not achieving your health and fitness goals...

So go ahead, celebrate this holiday and allow yourself an indulgence! Enjoy something you love, but don't often have - and take the time to truly SAVOR and appreciate it - and then carry on with your healthy habits...

Have an AWESOME day! xoxo

Jennifer