5 Healthy Habits my Parents Taught Me

Dear Body Buds,

As the fourth of seven children--all nearly two years apart in age--one might think that I suffered the “middle-child syndrome” (or so it’s called). This phrase has always made me tilt my head to the side in confusion as I never experienced any of the treatment (or lack of attention) from which this phrase derives. I felt just as loved, educated, supported, and cared for as any one of my amazing, and ever-so-different, siblings—for which I am very grateful. My parents raised us in what one might call a “strict household,” but each of my siblings and I look back and realize that that “strict household” has had more far-reaching positive impacts on our lives than we could have ever predicted. Today, I would like to share with you five things my parents did regularly that instilled healthy habits in us children.

Realizing that many people reading this blog post may not come from a loving, two-parent home, I share these thoughts with you in the hopes that, regardless of any of our pasts, we can each strive to create a better future for the next generation of children.

1. Choose 1-2 days for “sugary” breakfasts

What kid doesn’t love sugary cereal? My favorite while growing up was Cap’n Crunch by far! But we didn’t get cold cereal every day--that was a special occasion! Each of us kids really looked forward to Fridays and Saturdays as these were our special breakfast days. Friday morning was “cold cereal day” and Saturday mornings were Dad’s special pancakes or waffle day! Oh, how I get a giddy little smile on my face just remembering the feelings associated with those days! The other days of the week we ate scrambled eggs, over-easy eggs, toast, oatmeal cracked wheat, whole wheat, etc.

It’s hilarious to remember how I dreaded oatmeal day—I used to put so much honey in that bowl of mush, and now, I get super excited when I get to eat oats! I have learned to love them, and I rarely ever put honey in them! I love the raw taste of them in water! This method of planning the types of breakfasts we had not only helped us kids develop a taste for real, healthy foods, but it taught us discipline—we didn’t always get what we wanted (and yes, we did grumble about it but my parents held firm). Parents--don't budge! :)

2. Indulgences are good--but should be tempered

My family sure enjoys treats! And that’s okay! Each of us kids learned how to make fluffy cinnamon rolls, homemade bread, jam, chewy cookies, brownies, and pies. Mom definitely made sure that each of her kids knew how to cook and prepare all different types of foods and meals—yep, boys included! (Nobody can make better homemade biscuits and pie crust than my brothers!).

Mom also liked to stock up on candy bars when they were on sale, then keep them in a plastic bag in her “secret hiding spot” to bring out on special occasions. We all knew where that bag was, and though we thought about sneaking some, the thought of being caught was far too grievous so we opted out—well, I’ll speak for myself *wink.* We didn’t get one all the time, so when we did, it was really exciting! We were never deprived of sweets—we were simply taught that they are not an all-the-time food item.

3. Veggies are a part of everyday meals

Each of us kids took turns every year helping plant, weed, and harvest our garden (which my mom has now expanded into running a community garden as well—check it out here!) My parents’ gardening efforts helped us get used to fresh produce being in our home. Vegetables were always served with any dinner meal we ever had. I remember even on pizza night, we were required to have our side salad first. Once again, it simply was the way it was. There were no ifs, ands, or buts about it. We did what Dad and Mom said—no battle. If there was a battle, there was time-outing, grounding, and no eating. Nope, not a fun place to be, so we learned quickly!

4 .Drinking water is a part of daily life

“Drink your water,” my mom would always say. “I’m hungry…” type of comments always resulted in the same phrase. I don’t remember juice being in our house much. We had some orange juice every once in a while at breakfast, and Shasta pop was a fun Friday or Saturday night treat (always the 12 oz. cans, never more). We were a 2% and Whole Milk kind of family! My parents now drink orange juice occasionally and in smaller amounts now that the Power Foods Lifestyle has helped them understand sugar in our juice and how it impacts us. (Go, parents, go! :) I love seeing them apply principles of the PFL real-time when I visit their house!)

I also remember one year in middle school when my mom and sisters and I woke up at 5 a.m. every day to swim laps. We had to drink water first thing in the morning and I remember wanting to puke—it just was so wrong to drink water first thing! But I will admit I felt good not too long afterward, and never got dehydrated while swimming!

5. Life is to be lived actively

Whether we were playing ball in the street, catch at the park, or supporting each other in our various athletic events, being active and playing sports was something that our family just did. (While on this topic I think it important to point out that Mom and Dad required us to take piano lessons—practicing 30-45 minutes daily before school—if we were to be granted the privilege of playing sports on the community or school level.) Each of my siblings and I, while all at different stages in our lives with different obligations, still make time for active lifestyles. I can trace this back to our childhood and the way that my parents made an active lifestyle fun and something that was part of who we are.

All in all, I highly doubt I would be where I am today without the way my parents raised me to integrate healthy habits into the very nature of who I am. I owe them a great deal, and love them very much. I feel blessed beyond measure to have such supportive, loving people as my examples, friends, and cheerleaders. I hope that you, as you finish reading this post, can identify areas of your life in which you can improve to help those around you, or your own children and family, to integrate healthier habits into each of your lives.

Love your bud,

Kristy Jo

#relationships #family #healthyhabits