In your opinion, what role do dads play in encouraging the wellness of their kids?

Dads, and parents in general, are the biggest role models a kid has. You don’t hear all about nature and nurture for nothing. It is from a parent where kids learn their behaviors, their habits, their philosophies, and their ideas of right vs. wrong. If parents encourage wellness from a very young age, kids will associate that with the behavior they should implement into their lives. Think about it, how many times have you done something because it’s what your parents used to do? Maybe when you got your first job, the first apartment, or even had your first kid. The lessons your parents teach you to stick with you for life. So implementing behaviors that encourage wellness will set them up for success their entire life.

What are the primary reasons that kids need to eat healthier?

First and foremost, childhood obesity is an epidemic affecting the lives of millions of children around the world. 13.4% of children ages 2 to 5 have obesity. 20.3% of children ages 6 to 11 have obesity. 21.2% of children ages 12 to 19 have obesity. No parent wants their kid to become a part of that statistic. While kids tend to have higher metabolic rates than adults, it doesn’t mean obesity isn’t possible. Healthy eating is also more than just avoiding obesity. Having your kids eat healthy improves their dental health, cognitive ability, and focus. When you eat healthily, your body is thanking you all around. Eating meals full of fuel you need to get through the day and perform your best can help your kids get the most out of their days and continue to set them up for success.

How does a plant-based diet benefit Children?

A plant-based diet provides your kids with more of the benefits and less of the negatives in all nutritional areas. By eating a plant-based diet, your kids can receive all the nutrients and protein they need, as well as consume less sodium, sugar, and carbohydrates than they may otherwise. Plant-based diets also help improve cognitive function and focus. When your kids are fueled with the right food, they aren’t jumping up and down from the sugar or experiencing extreme fatigue from excessive carbohydrates. Having that plant-based mixture of nutrients will help your kids both mentally and physically.