Hey Mom and Dad!

Do you happen to have a teenage girl who has decided she doesn’t have time for breakfast?  Or that it makes her feel sick? Or that she’s worried about gaining weight?

If this sounds like someone at your house, I have some encouragement for you…. and a few suggestions to consider, if you’d like.

First of all, kudos to you for taking the time to prepare a morning meal for your family!  Breakfast is very, very important.  And it is especially critical for growing bodies and changing hormones!!!  (Heaven help us all.)

That said, I would encourage you to have a “listen” with your teenager and hear what she is concerned about and see if you can come to an agreement about what foods or time might work better for her to get some fuel and nourishment before she launches into her busy life each day.  Listen for the wisdom that can come from the mouth of an informed young adult.  Our teens are not living under rocks!  They are tuned-in to the politically correct and emotionally charged conversation that is being had about food in our country.  They are hearing about gluten-free and fat-free and raw and vegan and the never-eat-that or never-touch-this hype that is constantly bombarding all of us, and may they may need some guidance.

More importantly, they are VERY tuned-in to the expectation that our media has created for women to be stick-like skinny and perfectly toned.  It makes normal look “fat” and it is frightening to some when they see the changes their bodies are making.  They may feel they need to go into high alert to try to control how “changed” they become.

If, as you listen, you hear something that alarms you, visit with a counselor and ask for assistance.  But, if we’re talking about just typical time issues or basic what’s-on-the-menu problems, here are a few thoughts on how to help your daughter get better morning-time nourishment:

#1 Be open to new ideas.

Model open-minded, healthy eating and food attitudes and she will notice. Your daughter will not be well-served by offering her the highly refined carbs of cold cereal or white flour muffins and pancakes and french toast with refined sugars on top, etc. (These foods truly could be giving her a sick stomach.) Would you all like to take the quality up a notch or two? Whole grains?  Natural sweeteners in moderation? Would she be interested in having a healthy smoothie with greens, berries, almonds, kefir or fresh yogurt? Would you be tickled to try an omelette with veggies or boiled eggs, avocados and sweet potato fries? How about brown rice as cereal with pecans, coconut milk and a little real maple syrup? Try thinking outside the breakfast box, whatever that means to you.

#2 Make breakfast a priority for yourself.

Is breakfast a rushed affair for everyone… including you? Slow down morning routines for yourself by preparing for breakfast the day before. Let her watch you make time for eating real food. Simply put, food is life-giving, and we need to accept it and make preparing it and eating it and enjoying it a priority. (see breakfast recipes on recipes page for great ideas!)

#3 Make peace with YOUR body. (I know, easier said than done, but it’s possible!)

If you are constantly complaining about weight issues or bad-mouthing your shape, know that she is listening and learning.  Practice looking in a mirror and appreciating who you are and what you look like.  Can you walk?  Can you work? Can you do pretty much what you want to do?  Then consider yourself blessed!  If you need to shape-up a bit, set some small goals for yourself to walk more, get more sunshine, ditch the soda and eat higher quality foods. Enlist support to be healthier if needs be, but chill-out!!!  We are more than our looks!  And if WE buy in to the looks-are-everything-mentality, we are setting a poor example for our daughters.

#4 Let her help with planning and preparing breakfast!

Often, when we are part of decision-making efforts, we tend to work to support the desired outcomes instead of trying to detract others from making improvements. Remember, if time in the morning is an issue, check out the recipes on this site and make preparations before hand.  (Smoothies are pretty lickity-splickity quick!)

#5 Maybe this challenge is an opportunity and blessing!

Usually when change is called-for, there is an opportunity for growth!  Could this be the catalyst you have wanted to make some serious changes to your family’s overall health? Is it illuminating other issues that need your attention?  Ah!  Then you’re in a good place!

WE DON’T HAVE TO STAY WHERE WE ARE!!!!  WE CAN CHANGE!  WE CAN GROW!  With heaven’s help and a teachable spirit, we can move forward.

I hope tomorrow is a beautiful day, full of hope and renewal….and of course, a nourishing breakfast!

Love,

Jacque

P.S.  And hey!  January’s comin’!  If you decide that you want some support and accountability, check out my six-month health coaching programs on the programs page.  January 6th will be the perfect start date for the beginning of a healthier family!

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