The calendar says it is spring although in some parts of the country it still feels pretty cold. Regardless of the temperature however, at this time of the year we usually think about spring cleaning. Let me suggest that this year’s spring cleaning include eliminating any unhealthy foods in your homes. It is also a good time to try and change unhealthy family food behaviors. Send the food toxins in your environment running for cover!

If there are foods and snacks hidden in drawers and under beds, emancipate them. Give them to the food bank if they are unopened. If there are overweight kids or adults in your family who are limiting their food intake, help them by not having hidden foods for certain family members. Everyone in the family should be eating the same healthy food (except infants and toddlers). Prepackage healthy snacks in individual portions in your pantry or your refrigerator that everyone can eat.

Eat together when possible. Do not allow eating or snacking in your childrens’ rooms. Healthy eating is a family affair. Talk about it and do something about it. Spring into action today. You can help your overweight kids lose weight and learn a healthy lifestyle – now.