GUEST OPINION | Food for Thought by Gina Cousineau Calling All Parents

Summer is here, and our kids’ unhealthy habits are exposed for all to see. Routine is paramount for all humans, but our kids are particularly used to schedules during the school year, so chaos typically ensues when summer arrives.

That is, unless we caretakers are willing to step in to provide guidance. And, unfortunately, role modeling health habits proves difficult for most adults, so how can we expect kids to succumb, if we can’t?

As a parent of four and “mimi” of two, I am very aware in Round 2 of how easy it is to “give in to” the littles. The issue is that habits are secured during these early years, and if we can’t gain/keep control now, we don’t stand a chance in the future.

Parents often proclaim their immense love for their kids with the strong statement, “I would die for my kids,” yet in my experience, most are unwilling to cook for those very same children.

As your resident nutritionist, who professes an international “healthy eating pattern” approach, bringing the family around the kitchen table is perhaps the best way to place wholesome, nutritious and delicious food in front of them, putting devices away, and have meaningful conversations that will allow you to feel good about these far and few communal eating occasions.

According to most, if not all, health organizations, the only counter to the obesity epidemic that is affecting children