After today's soccer game, our entire family went grocery shopping. (Any of you moms cringing at the idea of a family load tagging along?) It actually began quite lovely when my husband handed off a charitable donation to the local Boy Scout troupe for the food pantry. Good Karma. But when I saw the tribe lingering around the donuts, I knew we were in for a ride. I harshly waved them off the pile of pastries. Then we had our share of tiffs for the next hour. You see, I'm determined to reduce the amount of sugar we eat.
A friend of mine, who happens to be winning a battle with breast cancer, told me about research she's done on the correlation between sugar and cancer. It got me to thinking. Am I poisoning my kids? Every time I let them have another cupcake or Twinkie? Is it just one more step to their doom? Even if it's not cancer, certainly diabetes is a consideration. What kind of mother am I? Really? If I love my family, I'd teach them about healthier alternatives. It's easy to become lazy when you're in a constant state of drive, drive, drive. (Does anyone else agree that April rivals December in terms busYness?) I remember my best friend once telling me that she let her young daughter eat Cheetos once for breakfast. It was just one of those mornings. We've all been there. But it seems, I'm there too frequently. Giving in to Cheetos at breakfast, that is. Now It's time to toughen up. Feed my family right. Teach them how to eat. I need a mantra! Oh, I got it! "Long Live my Family."
It might take a little more work to wash the grapes, cut the apples, sauté some veggies, or even slice up some cheeses. But I think I can find some value in the activity...much more than opening a gooey wrapper.
If you're interested in reading more about the toxicity of sugar, take a look at this article from The New York Times Is Sugar Toxic? I found it thought-provoking. And I know how I can make a small change in the world.
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