We are living in a time when the current generation of youth is predicted to die before their parents. Why is that the case? How did things get to this point? There are many answers to those questions, but before it gets too complicated, let us focus on the question: “What do we have control over in order to change this?”

The interesting thing is that when you are a parent, you are in control of yourself and have authority over your children. Many people tend to look at authority as something bad. However, be challenged to see authority as a parent in a positive light. You are blessed with the responsibility of raising and leading a child to live a wise, prosperous, and healthy lifestyle.

Start by leading from the front. Without stepping on anyone’s toes, it should be safe to say that parents have control over what their kids’ choices are when they are with you. Truthfully, you have control over the choices you can set before them, for example their food choices. Regain control. Stop finding excuses, like saying that you are too busy, or it is too late, or that you do not have enough time. Show excuses the exit door and welcome the solution-creating ideas.

Here are a few ideas on how you can regain control. Note: it will take effort on your part as a parent to put aside the excuses and just make the changes:

1. Remove processed snacks from everyone’s diet, including yours. Choose nutrient rich options like baby carrots, blueberries, strawberries, sliced bell peppers, seeds, and raisins. Put them in containers or small bags so they’re easy to tote around.
2. Use one afternoon or evening per week to prepare meat that can last for a few days. If you're in a rush, it's always easy to put some meat into a container and pop it into the microwave so that you can carry it with you, along with some of the previously mentioned snack options as side dishes.
3. Explain to your kids why their food choices have changed. Keep it simple and explain how the body works and that these new options will help their hearts to beat stronger, help them to grow, allow them to see better, and make their muscles work better. Explain what processed foods do to their bodies, like weaken their bones and make them feel uncomfortable and irritable at times.

Is the switch to eating healthier really that easy? Of course, not. But remember that you and your child or children CAN do it!

 Pray for patience and watch for the rewards as you see your child or children starting to make those wiser choices for themselves.