If there’s one thing I’ve learned since becoming a mother, it’s that I don’t have all the answers. The best I can do is pass on information that I’ve studied or experiences I’ve had to influence and encourage others into healthy living.

What’s the secret to raising healthy children?

I believe the best, and most under-rated strategy for increasing the chances that your children will be healthy is by starting with yourself. Look in the mirror. What do you see? It’s sometimes hard to grasp the realization that how we see ourselves influences how our children see us. If you are someone who doesn’t exercise, smokes, eats crappy food, and is overweight-then how are you supposed to project the image of health onto your kids?

You can push veggies and fruits and lean protein onto your kids, but if you are not willing to participate in your own health, then don’t expect any one else to. Your kids will eventually take notice and begin rejecting your push for healthy eating. “You’re eating MacDonald’s, why can’t I?” Parents put pressure on kids to eat certain foods, whilst giving themselves a “free pass.” Eventually it becomes too hard to eat well and parents give up. Then of course, so do the children.

One of the biggest motivators for me is the challenge to create a foundation of healthy living for my family. The belief that if I set an example for my children, educate them about the benefits of health, and incorporate and normalize it into our lives, then they will enjoy a full life.

Let me clarify:

A full life. Free of prescription drugs, debilitating conditions, and chronic disease. Free of fast foods, processed junk, sedentary lifestyle, and hours in front of the tv. Free of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

I am on a mission to help others ride this health wave with me. I mean seriously, why the hell wouldn’t you?

So go ahead. It’s a New Year. Take a good look at yourself. Where does health fit in?

This year, my family will set the example of a new “normal” in America. Will yours?

dr. lisa