If you read this blog you probably know it's National Nutrition Month.
National Nutrition Month is a "nutrition education campaign" created by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and is celebrated every March. As the largest private employer of Registered Dietitians in the USA we have formed an important relationship with the ADA.
If you are one of Sodexo's many Registered Dietitians you are probably busy promoting healthy eating habits to your patients, friends, and family this month. You may even be referring these people to the great information currently available on the Sodexo Wellness site including the "Create Your Weight" tool and a very handy nutrtition calculator. As a supporter of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Sodexo is committed to the fight against childhood obesity. Just last week I saw on the news that the Alliance Guidelines helped to reduce calories in schools by 88% by providing healthier beverage options.
Healthier beverage options in schools = less soda for kids = a very good thing.
Our commitment to eliminate childhood obesity continues with the Obama administration. In February, we announced our participation in Michelle Obama's campaign to eliminate childhood obesity within a generation.
As a mom of two, it makes my job of making sure my children are healthy easier when the message of "good health through nutritious foods choices" is supported by their schools and more important the media. It helps me sound less like a nag who is taking the fun out of chocolate and chips and more like someone who (sort of) knows what she is talking about. Mom's get such a bad wrap, don't they?
But alas, I'm not perfect and sometimes I make bad choices. OK, so maybe I make bad choices often but, please don't tell my children.
Bad choice example #213 of the 2010.
I'm pretty sure Weight Watchers did not intend for me to eat 4 of their "luscious and decadent, chocolate covered low-fat raspberry ice cream bars" last night. I didn't buy these because they're low fat, I bought them because I love raspberry and dark chocolate almost as much as I love chocolate covered pretzels. I knew they would be a problem for me.
.
My husband was out of town for business, my kids were in bed, and I no one was judging me. I had my first ice cream bar and thought it was the best thing I had tasted since the pumpkin pie my husband baked last week. So I had another. And then another. And just as I was ripping into my 4th ice cream bar my son caught me red-handed when he suddenly appeared in our kitchen after waking from a bad dream.
He looked shocked, confused and sort of angry. I tried to explain myself but, he wasn't buying any of it.
I spend my days making sure my 8 and 10 year old eat their servings of fruits and vegetables, grains, protein, etc., etc and making sure they spend time "doing more" and exercising. But, let's not forget the best lesson for children can be taught by setting an example. It's true and I know it. With my love for steamed vegetables and an active gym membership most of the time I am a successful role model.
Which brings me back to Sodexo's support for programs that help parents be better parents like the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the First Lady's campaign. In fact, being a responsible corporate citizen is at the core of Sodexo's business. Promoting health and wellness is just one of the 14 measurable commitments to a brighter future from Sodexo's "The Better Tomorrow Plan."
Working for a company that believes in making tomorrow a better place for it's employees, our children, and our children's children makes my most important job as a mom easier - even when I get caught making bad choices.
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