Moms Talk: Beat Munching on Junk, Stay Fit

It's officially holiday season, meaning there will be more festivities, cheer and calories. Food will overfill the tables of our homes.

In this week's Moms Talk, three local moms share how they promote nutrition in their homes and discuss what physical activities they encourage their families to participate in:

Jennifer Makin, mom of two

With so many options to distract our kids, it is difficult to keep them active. My boys, ages 6 and 3, prefer that I play with them, so often while I am making dinner on weeknights it is much easier to allow them to watch TV instead of encouraging them to go outside and play.

Considering they are active at school, weekdays and weekends are different. On weekends, I encourage them to get active by getting outside, biking, playing catch and going to fun places where they can be active. I am a firm believer in "do as I do", not "do as I say, not as I do," so I set an example of what it is like to be active and why it is important.

About 1-2 times per week, they go to the gym with me — and although they do not sweat with me, they do play hard at the gym daycare while I work out. They also know all about the races and events I participate in — 5k and 10k runs, Warrior Dash (5k with obstacles and mud!), and they know I am training for a half marathon. A couple of years ago, this was not something I did on a regular basis (I hated running until about eight months ago), but I found it important to show them what being physically fit does for a person.

Once the weather gets better, I will be signing them up for family runs with me so they can feel the joy of accomplishment as they cross the finish line and earn a medal or other trinket signifying finishing the race.

I instill in them that it does not matter if you win, it matters that you play.

My 6-year-old is currently playing recreational basketball at the Silliman Center on Saturdays from now until mid-December. I try to get him involved in an organized sport each season, so he can learn what he likes and try new things. He will start swim lessons again in the new year, followed by baseball.

My littlest one has not participated in any organized sports as of yet, but he will start swim lessons soon.

In our house, I have found that my boys will eat simple things and I don't tend to stray too far from their regular favorites. There are veggies that they like, so I go with it! And they love fruit, so we will make a fruit salad for a side dish at dinner too.

Even though the holidays are upon us, and that means more and more sweets, they know that there is a limit.

I do not believe that denying them is the right thing to do, because I do not want them to feel the urge to sneak "bad" foods or overindulge when they are allowed. Instead, I allow 1-2 pieces of candy per day following Halloween. When they are not being consistently denied, they tend to lose interest after a few days. It is not uncommon to find Halloween candy in the cupboard when spring rolls around!

One thing I try to work on with them is to not finish their plates in order to get the sweet treat they are craving. If I know they've made a good effort on their food, I typically still allow a small portion of the dessert they were coveting before dinner.

By instilling good habits of how to recognize feeling full, I am encouraged that they will have better eating habits when they become adults. Overall, as I strive to live by example for my kids, I am encouraged that they will build healthy habits and grow into strong, fit adults!

Lorie Mohs, mom of two

Healthy eating can be a definite challenge for everyone during the holidays, but the key is always portion. You can eat the special holiday treats as long as you balance that with fresh fruit and vegetables.

In our family we cook together and eat together. Getting the kids in the kitchen to help prepare dinner can encourage them to try new foods and take pride in the meal.

We are also making more of an effort to be more physical. We love to hike and rock climb as a family. These activies really give you time to talk with your kids and spouse.

Our favorite place to rock climb is City Beach in Fremont. They offer a Family Fun Night every Saturday night for $15 per person starting at 6 p.m. 

Tammy Warren-Alcorta, mom of five

Yes, we are promoting healthy eating. We have switched to whole-grain wheat bread and 2 percent milk. We have started to eliminate candy (Halloween candy is a treat, one piece when they do their chores). We have taken away soda and KoolAid and only give healthy juice plus unlimited water. We have cut fast food out, and fried foods. I cook all the dinners.

My five kids are active most of the day. We have taken away the cable/dish, so now TV time is limited. As for sports, they are not in any at this time but they do play outside, riding bikes and scooters and running.

We keep a major supply of fruits and veggies on hand at all times for snacks.