Deprivation

Remember those orange sherbert push-ups from the Schwan’s Man? In an effort from keeping my kids from feeling deprived, we have been making these treats from sugar free spinach and fruit smoothies (this one has blueberries in place of the banana and kiwi). The kids are ga-ga for them. I found the little contraptions at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Living a healthy lifestyle is a process that takes effort. It all starts with our desire, a personal conversion so deep that change is inevitable. Then we must dive into knowledge. Unlearning our bad habits and misinformation and replacing it with sound principles, our own discernment and truth. This learning seems to never stop but does become less overwhelming.

Now we are putting what we learn into practice. Little by little we apply more and more. Finally, we have gone so far past where our society lies and we are frustrated. The constant candy rewards, unhealthy refreshments at the end of events, party after party with nothing to eat but pizza, pop, cake and ice cream and the endless snack foods that are dished out all-you-can-eat style at every turn of the head.

Deprivation leads to rebellion from that which you are deprived. This is especially true for kids who haven’t had the chance to work it all out for themselves yet. This week we are attending a family reunion, which means lots of kids with parents throwing food (and I use that term lightly) at them to keep them happy. We will be going with a bag full of vegetables to off set the toxins they call food and a bag full of healthy snacks to set a good example. Wish me luck.