5 Tips for Childhood Obesity

Posted on March 16, 2012 by JulieDelaBarre

Seventy-five percent of all children are overweight, 50% of children will NOT outlive their parents.

How can we teach our children healthy habits? The harder job may be correcting the habits of young children to reverse the obesity epidemic.

Children are tempted by McDonalds commercials, vending machines with soda and candy bars, and birthday parties every weekend.  But, let’s face it, sugary, fatty food taste good!

Sugar, whether from a candy bar or an apple,  is the body’s primary fuel source.  It fuels our muscles, brain, and immune system.  Fat tastes delicious and is necessary for adequate stores of Vitamins A, D, E & K.  It is an essential nutrient for healthy organs, hair, skin, nails, hormones and reproductive function. No wonder we love candy bars and pizza.  Sugars and fats are necessary for survival! Its in our DNA.

So, how do we help our children choose the right essential nutrients? Or help a pudgy child lose unwanted pounds?

Parents – you need to be parents.

Parents are the role model. Kids are sponges.  And you are in charge. They soak up your language, behaviors,  and social interactions.  Be an example of health.  If they need to ‘eat clean’ and exercise, maybe you do, too.

Activity is a must.  Being a part of a team sport at school or local recreational center creates confidence, friendships, and a healthy heart. As a family, play dates are great for making memories.

Put food on the table. Shake up their palette.  What you eat, kids should eat.  There are no chicken nuggets for them and chicken breast for you.  Kids need whole, healthy foods because their body is developing. What is fueling their gas tank?

Rule of  Three.  Picky eaters? It takes three tries before you may like a new food.  Some say, if they are hungry enough, they’ll eat it!  They may squeal when you don’t buy their favorite junk food, but there are plenty of great options.  Baked chips & salsa or a low-fat cheese dip, apple or banana & PB, low-fat ice cream Sandwiches, strawberries and low fat cream cheese, turkey slices and banana ( its good, salty & sweet!).  Get creative. And don’t give up!

The Chemistry of Nutrition.   A little bit of this and a little bit of that.  Create your plate with 1/2 veggies or low sugar fruits, 1/4 healthy starch such as brown rice or sweet potatoes, and 1/4 lean protein such as chicken, fish, or extra lean beef.  Healthy fats for cooking or a touch of flavor; olive oil, dressings, avocado, parmesan cheese. This formula balances blood sugar which is the key to an alert mind, long term energy, and a lean body.

Good luck! If you need more advice, just email me at

Julie @ Julie DelaBarre.com

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The Number One Secret to Fat Loss

Posted on October 10, 2011 by JulieDelaBarre

The secret to fat loss is the chemistry on your plate. Different body types metabolize foods differently.

Do you know anyone who can eat whatever they want and never gain a pound? What about the person who gains five pounds just by looking at a piece of chocolate cake!? The truth is, our body type’s DNA determines how foods will be stored as fat or used as energy.

Depending on your body type, the chemistry on your plate will look different if your goal is fat loss. Some bodies are more efficient at metabolizing starches for energy, while others store them as fat. Certain bodies run more efficiently on a high fat diet and need more simple carbohydrates to feel their best.

Start by filling your plate in these portions. Fill half of your plate with vegetables and low-sugar fruits such as berries. Fill one quarter with whole grain carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, or beans, and fill the other quarter with lean proteins such as chicken, fish, or lean red meat. Finally, garnish your meal with some healthy fats by cooking with olive oil, sprinkling on some nuts, or slices of avocado. Creating your plate in these portions is the first step to correct chemistry for fat loss. This combination off macronutrients on your plate begins to create stable blood sugar which is the number one key to fat loss. Sounds simple enough, right? Get started with your very next meal!

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SECRETS OF A NEW MOM: Developing Your Baby’s Vision

Posted on September 13, 2011 by JulieDelaBarre

During their first months, babies can’t see much beyond 12 inches nor can they see colors, yet, but they are fascinated by shapes and contrast.

Become a creative role model for your little one as soon as today.  No need to spend a lot of money on expensive mobiles or pictures.  You can create your own visually stimulating art work for your baby and clean out your junk drawer at the same time!

Glitzy jewelry, ocean trinkets, shiny window charms all make great visuals for baby. Black and white, red and blue, shiny and sparkly, all will do.  Securely fasten your trinkets to criss crossing hangers or pick up a wooden ring at your local craft store.

Another easy art project for your baby’s development are black lines on white paper.

These straight black lines start to wiggle! Your baby’s eyes need practicing focusing. Straight black lines start to look like waves at first sight.  Draw a dozen black lines on white paper. Try different spacing and thickness of the lines and let your baby tackle her first big task in life. On top of getting rid of those gas bubbles!

 

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