FitSugar

Speak Up: Raising Kids Vegetarian

FitSugar — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 03:00:00 -0800

Eating a balanced vegetarian diet can be much healthier than a diet that includes meat, since it tends to be lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. It also includes tons of fruits and veggies, so a vegetarian diet can be full of vitamins and fiber too. As long as a meat-free diet includes plenty of dairy products, whole grains, and beans, getting enough protein should be a cinch.

Many of you have tried being vegetarians at one point in your lives - it was college for me. And some of you have been strict vegetarians for years. My question is, what do you think about raising children on a beef, chicken, and fish-free diet? Kids can be really picky eaters and hot dogs are a common go-to food in the toddler set. So tell me, what do you think about raising kids on a vegetarian diet?

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Another Reason to Exercise: Parents Who Exercise Raise Healthier Kids

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 02:00:00 -0800

One of the common statements to come out of a pregnant woman's mouth it that she doesn't care if her baby is a boy or a girl; she just wants her baby to be healthy. Well, there are ways to stack the cards in your favor. New research indicates that children with active parents, even during pregnancy, are more active and healthy too. The research doesn't indicate that biological factors were involved, but it seems to be more about role modeling healthy behaviors. Children who see their parents being physically active learn that exercising is a normal part of life. Active parents influence their children's perception of exercise at an early age.

I love that my daughters ask me, when I am lacing up my sneakers, if I am going for a run. They think it is so cool. Plus, as they age and get bigger if I didn't lift weights I wouldn't be able to lift them.

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:00:37 -0800

If you're like me you're a little sick of all the flip-flopping on who is ultimately responsible for contributing to eating disorders in young women. First it was the modeling world and media. Then Gisele piped in and blamed parents. Shortly afterwards Gisele got publicly criticized for pointing fingers at parents and researchers in turn pointed their fingers straight at genetics.

Anyone else confused?

Well not to confuse you even more but new research is out from Stanford University that says fathers are the ones to blame now as well. Their findings came after noticing the lack in research on the father's role in eating disorders. Further finding that fathers are important in influencing their daughters toward bulimia, particularly fathers who were overweight and wanted to be thinner. These influences may be direct, such as criticizing the daughter's weight or shape, or indirect, by expressing their own concerns about weight and shape.

My head is spinning -- Who do you blame the most for contributing to eating disorders?

The Not So Fine Side of China

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 09:45:00 -0800

Obese people looking to adopt children from China need to either head to the gym or look no more because Chinese officials won't allow it. New restrictions ban obese couples with a Body Mass Index of more than 40 (per person) from adopting Chinese children.

Interestingly enough, the United States is the No. 1 destination for children adopted abroad and the United States is also one of the most overweight countries. Ironic, isn't it?

Factors, other than being obese, that will prohibit you from adopting a child from China: Being over 50, being unmarried, having psychiatric conditions and having a severe facial deformity.

Want to know what your own Body Mass Index (BMI) is? Find out on Fit's Calculator where you can figure out your BMI, calories needed, how much water you should be drinking and your target heart rate. Check it out today.