You know, I really love any information on nutrition, the food industry, which foods are best for our bodies, etc. And I am especially interested in that for kids. I certainly don’t have a nutrition degree or anything, I just read a lot about it.

And from that reading, I’ve come to truly believe that kids’ (and adults’!) behaviors, sleeping patterns and energy can be attributed to what they eat. I truly believe there are certain foods that really drain the body, and certain foods that are amazing for the body.

And I was thinking about all of this as I was sitting and eating lunch with my kids at a restaurant… I watched them as they ate chicken fingers…a corn dog…fries…ice cream sundaes. And my lunch was certainly no better.

That’s when I realized it.

I’m one of “those” people. I talk the talk, but I don’t walk the walk.

I’m guessing a lot of us are in the same boat. We WANT to do the best for our bodies. We WANT to do the best for our kids’ bodies.

Part of the struggle with food is just seeing my picky pre-schoolers eat SOMETHING, anything! Part of it is seeing the smile on their faces with the mention of ice cream. I just love those smiles. And maybe there’s also a small part of my brain that says “Ah, they’re kids! And they’re healthy. This food won’t hurt them.”

But I know this is the wrong perspective. These are excuses. And I’m tired of making these excuses for all of us. I have piles and piles of healthy cookbooks, books about nutrition, books about kids and nutrition…

So, what am I doing?

Why is it so easy to give in to my kids? Why is it so easy to give in to my own cravings? Especially when I know exactly what to eat and how to eat it.

“Be the change you want to see.” is one of my favorite quotes. “Be the change you want to see.” The only way my kids are going to adapt healthier eating habits is if I do. (And my husband if I can get him on board too!) I HAVE to make that commitment. We ALL do. Because we owe it to ourselves and to our kids.

Is it better to feel good in the moment we’re eating, or feel good in ALL moments?

So, in conclusion, what role does nutrition play in positive parenting? I think it plays a HUGE role. Because when YOU feel good, your kids will respond to that. I guarantee it. When your kids feel good, YOU will respond to that. When the whole family is feeling healthy and vibrant and alive…well, my true belief is that there will be no need for discipline because everyone is active, healthy and happy.

Positive parenting will be at the core of your being. You won’t need any books or articles to tell you what it’s all about. You’ll just know by the way you and your kids feel. And you’ll realize that it just feels good.