"Is this protein or carves?"

Lately my son has been hearing my husband and I discuss the importance of eating healthy ourselves even though he nor I have diabetes. We are a part of the generation of plenty I guess you can say where times are much different than they were when our parents were our age regarding family meal times. With so many fast food options on every street corner and the economy's hard times meaning two parents typically are working full-time outside of the home, so many of us are just grabbing what we can to eat. Thankfully, it seems gym memberships are now trendy as well, so hopefully our generation can fight off what we are eating by exercising. However, it doesn't always work that way. The gym still takes time...and money...and the decision of what to do about childcare while we are trying to fit that in. I know as a mother there is SO much "mommy guilt" surrounding us. If you don't believe me start up a conversation at your next Bunco game about whether it is best to be a working mom or a stay-at-home mom. Or private versus public school. Those tough decisions pull at our heartstrings! Often we feel like it is a lose-lose situation. If we put ourselves first, we feel bad. If we let ourselves go and only focus on running our kids back and forth to their soccer games, then we also feel bad.

But, I have been contemplating how important it is for us to set an example for our children. An example of how to lead a healthy lifestyle all the while teaching them how to survive in the fast food crazed world. Unfortunately, it may have taken my son's diagnosis of new onset diabetes to wake me up to this calling as a mother. And, I am for sure not in shape nor do I eat as healthy as I should. However, our kids are sponges! They watch what we eat, and they are also noticing you on the treadmill while they are busy playing with their trains and cars even though you might not think they are paying any attention.

Would you take on the challenge with me? The challenge to show our children that we can help set a good precedent for them to follow regarding taking care of themselves. Sure, it is easy to remind them to brush their teeth, but it is a tad harder possibly to carry along unsweetened applesauce in the insulin bag when you know you are going to have to endure a fast food lunch during your errands. Skip the fries! Be realistic..let them have the chicken nuggets! Life is all about choices, and it is up to us to teach our children how to make healthy food choices.

And, as far as choices go...choose yourself, moms! I know it might be hard to put yourself first, but remember! While you might be the one and only expert at caring for your child's diabetes, if you throw yourself so far into that job and let your own health go then you won't be around to take care of your child after it is all said and done! What good will that do? Start with yourself first; your child will notice and follow.

Just like my son...he is now obsessed with what is a protein and what is a "carve?" Yes, adorable, huh? A "carve" is a carb...so cutely renamed by my five-year old.

They need to know the difference in the food groups as one day they will be counting their own carbohydrates. A common pitfall in diabetics is that they get into their teen years and only estimate their insulin requirements...and often A1C levels creep up. Start now by teaching your child what is a carbohydrate and even mention why we need to know how many we are eating. You'd be surprised how much interest your child will have in the topic and most of all they will be thrilled to have the one-on-one time just chatting with you!