So we are getting settled in to a family of 5 pretty well. I am coping with being a mom to a teenager and learning our new family dynamic. But I am still struggling with one thing.......
I can't say I wasn't warned or that I didn't prepare myself for this. But even still I am trying to figure it out. You might be wandering what is it? Well it seems that I have another picky eater in my home. Like I wasn't already outnumbered in this house. In case you might not know this about us we don't eat like we used to a year ago. October of last year Keith and I decided we wanted to change the way we ate and wanted to properly fuel our bodies to become better runners and in all around better in our health. We eat 5 small meals a day. We limit white of all kinds and very lean meats. Now when we started this I knew our kids would not be as excited as we were but we felt like this should be a family thing. Slowly they have adjusted well but we still have our walls we hit at the dinner table. I'm ok with that and I understand it wasn't their choice. They still enjoy their favorites but just in moderation. I want them to learn how to respect their body and that healthy doesn't have to be gross well at least not all of the time.
So now what to do when we have a teenager in the home who this way of eating was not her choice and who is definitely not accustomed to this way of life. Thankfully my sister gave her a heads up and Karen did warn us she is on the picky side. Well I started slow and made extra sides that I knew she would like. Of course she was also aware of our family rule you must try something before you can decide that you don't like it. We are slowly getting there and she has surprised us in trying new things and even finding out some new things she even likes! Score! I am also learning how to balance eating out better because along with the this new family dynamic we are also a little more busier with appointments and meetings. But I have no shame in packing my food for the day and eating in a resturant while my kids are chowing down on their lunch. Before the temptation was tough and I struggled with what would people think of this skinny girl bringing her salad in. Worried that I had some eating disorder or that I was too good for McDonalds. But I have found it works for me and my body appreciates it so much more! It's still a work in progress and at times I lose my patience and want to throw my hands in the air and give up. But then I am reminded of something my husband told me once. Now that we have a teen girl in our home I have the opportunity to show her how to take responsibility in how she eats. To show her that as girls we can be healthy and be proud of the body that God has given us flaws and all! Teaching both of my girls that they are beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside. To raise them so when they become adults they will decide on their own to make good choices and also enjoy things they love in moderation. To do this not just to fit into a size 4 but because their body is a temple and that want to honor God in every aspect of their life.
No comments:
Post a Comment