Have you seen this week's Time Magazine? Their cover article is on childhood obesity. It is actually a series of articles, and quite good.
Reading these articles has finally brought me to peace with my grocery bill. I have felt guilty for ... years... because I spend so much on groceries for my family. And with the recent rise in food costs, the grocery bill brings me to the brink of tears at times. [We are spending about $300 a week on groceries now].
The reason my bill is so high is that I provide high quality, nutritious food for my family. Period. While we aren't "food Nazis" and we do allow treats [even the occasional Quick Trip hot dog LOL!], we strive on a daily basis to eat as healthfully as possible. And the bottom line is that whole grains cost more than whites. Fresh fruits and veggies for 5 kids several times a day costs a fortune. Organic milk and yogurt costs are astronomical....
And you know what? I'm OK with this. I am finally OK with the fact that I am spending so much and feeding the kids so well. When I am an old lady, I am *certain* I'd rather look back and think "Wow, I blew tons of money feeding my children healthfully" than to look back and realize "Wow, I blew tons of money on clothes and vacations and my nails...". And as long as I feed our family like I do, we aren't likely to afford vacations. "Nails" are beyond my comprehension... LOL! [I once worked for a lady who spent over $200 a month on her weekly fake nail salon visit!]. And I'm OK with buying everything we own used off eBay and Craigslist and children's consignment stores.
When I die, I will know I did my best by my children and that is not a bad thing to know.
Genetics are a mixed bag for anyone. My children, in many ways, are blessed in their genes - they come from a long line of strong, hardy, intelligent, hard working people. [Good looking people too ROFL! Many women on both sides of our family were famed for their beauty in their youth, and our men on both sides are tall and handsome!] Even the in-laws I don't like, I have to give credit where credit is due - they are all smart, hard working, and strong individuals!
However, there is a flip side to that genetic coin too. Obesity is rampant in both sides of the family. High blood pressure runs through our families like the blood in our veins - we ALL have it sooner or later. Type II Diabetes absolutely infests our family tree. Heart disease is fairly common and so is stroke. And lets not forget that one side of the family tree has mental illness running rampant as an added bonus.
So, I think I am right to do the very best I can to teach my children to eat well and to value healthy food. There is only so much I can do about the genes we have - but this is one thing I CAN control.
And I have made peace with this - I am no longer going to obsess about my weekly grocery bill. If grocery prices keep rising, the day may come when I really *can't* afford to feed six children healthily - and I may have to resort to cheaper, more junky options. But, as Aragorn would say, "Today is NOT that day".
Excuse me while I go downstairs and feed my children their snack - Yo Baby Yogurt and fresh apples for everyone!!!
4 comments:
If your dogs will stay out of your garden that will help with costs too!! I have struggled with this same thing as well. The only way I have been able to cut costs is to plan monthly menus and my garden. I can't remember where, but I heard that buying seasonal veggies and such also helps with costs. Of course, the way these kids love apples that is a year round staple!
Great post, Kelly! I struggle with our food bill, too, but we have to eat! I hope I raise my kids to continue eating in a healthy way -- aware of treats and when to have them -- and always willing to try new things. Just think of how much MORE it would be if you ate out all the time! Then your food bill won't look so bad!
Bravo! I wish more people would realize that the food they put in their bodies (and their children's bodies) should absolutely be one of the very top priorities. It sickens me to walk through mainstream grocery stores and see what's passing for food in the average American's diet. Oh, don't let me get on my soap box. ; )
You continue to impress me. We need to curb the junk at our house.
My children are lucky to have their Dad's frame...a skinny bunch.
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