Wellness shouldn’t stop for holidays

Holiday celebrations like Halloween and Christmas can be challenging for families and individuals who have weight loss goals, special diets to follow, or the desire to maintain healthy eating habits.

“Each year I take one small step in the direction of health for my family when it comes to Halloween and Christmas,” says Sarah Blackwell.  Sarah and Fred have been raising their children with health in mind since each of them experienced two major health events in the same year.

“It’s one thing to teach your children about healthy and balanced eating, but it’s a whole other ball game to remain consistent with your messages over holidays and celebrations.  It is holidays like Christmas and Halloween that  we have childhood memories of.”

Fred shares his perspective, “I find that I have to model for the children healthy habits over the holidays and at celebrations.  If I eat treats or cake, they will eat it because it’s sending a mixed message if I eat it and then say they can’t have it.”

Celebrations can be times that adults will allow themselves a “treat” or give themselves permission to ignore health goals.  This type of thinking is often related to childhood experiences,  media messages, and even some diet programs. media and any diet programs they may have been a part of.

Sarah says parents can establish healthier definitions of what constitutes a “treat”.

Halloween can be a family movie night with healthy homemade “treats” not available at the store.

“Parents need to recondition their thinking, their children just want to be with them,” she says. “Children just want their parents’ love and attention and to spend time doing something they all enjoy so they can feel connected.”

Because children are looking to a parent for guidance and support, Mom and Dad can help them learn how to live healthier.

For example, says Sarah, if you wanted to reduce the amount of sugar your child is eating you may start learning to read labels together and how much sugar is actually in a box of cereal or granola bar.

“It is a journey the family can take together, support each other and have fun doing it,” she says.  “We love trying new recipes as a family, preparing new smoothies and even learning about all the different fruits and where they come from in the world.

“The journey of wellness does not stop for Halloween or Christmas.”