From Mel - 05/07/09 - IP#: 171.112.7.xxx  Click here to reply  
My Story---and My Advice
I am a twin. I have a twin brother. Both of my brothers are really athletic and such, and they've managed to keep a decent weight. Not too flabby, not too muscular. But my dad, my mom, my sister and I have some how ended up overweight...Of course this is because we refrain from tons of physical activity.
My parents don't buy lots of healthy food, and it gets hard to find something healthy to eat. Yeah, they buy wheat bread, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, milk etc... but it's the tempting stuff that you notice...the chips, chocolate, soda, left-over takeout etc... I think that if my parents had bought healthier food when I was young I don't think I would've ended up this way...I wouldn't be an emotional eater...Now I know it's not fair to blame them...but sometimes it seems like the only reason I ended up this way...that and they've knocked my self-esteem level from a 10 down to a 5.
Parents: Buy healthy food for your children! Don't buy that absurdly delicious fatty crap. And if you're children are overweight, approach the subject gently. Children don't like hearing they're fat. If you're not careful, you'll just be like the kids at school- ruining their self esteem.
Kids: If your parents do approach the "I think you should lose some weight" subject, be easy on them, they care about you, that's why they mention it. They just want what's best for you. And being healthy is what's best. And if your parents couldn't care less about your health, then you've got to take control and resist tempting foods-craving something sweet? You want that chocolate up in the cupboard? NO--go make a strawberry smoothie or eat an apple. Tell your parents you want healthier foods in the house, they'll most likely grant your wishes--instead just go grocery shopping with them...and be sure to keep out the bad stuff.
Hope this helps :D