
The food in Israel is enough reason to make aliyah. I was at the market in Jerusalem this morning and I taste-tested borekas, rugelach, cookies, and halava, among other delicacies. Then, I shlepped home bags of more yummy food which, of course, I noshed on while unpacking.
Later, I took the kids for ice cream. I never order my own, fully knowing I would be eating half of each of theirs. My daughter commented last night when I was picking off her plate, “Imma, you should sit and eat a meal, not stand and eat.” Only then did I realize I was not eating, just picking at her leftovers.
Of course, there are Shabbat meals and dinners at restaurants–which signify food, food and more food.
A few days ago on Tisha B’Av, I woke up with a migraine and the shakes for a coffee. I prepared food for my kids throughout the day and had to stop my hand from picking at the food as I laid it out–making it evident how much I usually pick while I prepare. These random incidents made me quickly realize how bad my eating habits are and, of course, the message I am sending my kids. Yet after reflecting on my need to change, I woke up the next day and followed the same bad eating patterns.
If we can’t set a good example when it comes to healthy eating and preparing healthy recipes, not only are we hurting ourselves but we are badly influencing our children as well.
Metroimmas: Please share with me your strategies for eating well and other healthy ideas for meals and snacks. I need all the help I can get!
Originally published: July 23, 2010
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