Pre-natal Mentality

Earlier this week I read an interesting article in the New York Times about efforts to prevent childhood obesity. The article questioned public health efforts to curb the epidemic by focusing on exercise and diet in childhood, stating that it could be "too little, too late." Instead, they posited that the real foundation for optimal body weight is laid in the first five years of life, and most importantly - the time spent in the womb.

My mind zipped forward to my next pregnancy (no, not yet) and I started taking mental notes on what I will and will not eat, drink, and do. Not even pregnant, I am starting to construct a mental image of a nutrient dense super chamber that will incubate my fetus into a human being in its finest form. This is something that women (and men) often do: we read and discuss ways to make our babies as healthy as they can be. This of course continues after they are born as we stare suspiciously at our stored jars of breast milk ("Does it look a little yellow today? Too watery?") and consistency of homemade organic baby food. Then there is the air purifier, the hours upon hours of sleeping and napping, the enrichment activities, the constant encouragement, love, and appreciation for their uniqueness and growth. It's all good, all the time. And I am not questioning this. It is amazing to see how they thrive in this environment of love.

But the other day, Chad asked if he could give Tate a bite of ice cream. Normally, I say "sure, one bite." But that day I said, "I think we're getting into a habit of giving him refined sugars on a regular basis -- let's just keep it to special occasions." He agreed. Then, we both had ourselves a nice bowl of ice cream. With cookies on top. And I am questioning this.

While I do understand that it is of utmost importance to give our babies and children the best nutrition possible since they are laying their mental, physical, and emotional foundations for their whole lives, what are we implying by ignoring similar standards for ourselves? That it's too late for us to be healthy so why try? That we are as good as we're ever going to get, so may as well enjoy the ride down from the Pinnacle of Health to Resigned at Middle Age? That our lives are less valuable?

We are also someone's kids. Someone also wants the best air, the best water, the best food, the best environment for us -- even if its difficult to always provide that. But we should always try to treat ourselves like our lives are as valuable as our kids, and that it is as important for us to be functional, healthy and happy as it is for them. And the healthier and happier we are, the more of ourselves we can give to our children.