47. A FIVE-YEAR-OLD JUNKIE

At a church picnic, Hannah called my attention to her five-year-old grandson, Ronnie, who eats nothing but junk food, which makes her worry about his future health. I watched him eat chips and cheese dip, then he started on cookies and cake. He also had the sweet drink they served at the picnic. Hannah asked me if there was anything a grandmother could do when his parents allow this kind of eating.

Since many American children seem to literally live on junk food with no visible health problems, many parents seem not to care. It is difficult for concerned family members to watch, but most of the time the less said, the better.

Possibly the most influential step Hannah can take is to model healthy eating. “Actions speak louder than words!” I have a good example to share.  

Years ago I knew a grandmother who was known by many as a perfect example of healthy living. She practiced good health habits and ate a balanced plant-food diet. Her grandchildren enjoyed teasing her, “Grandma, let’s go eat a steak!” “This high-energy drink is just what you need to feel really alive!”

Then came the fateful day when she slipped. The family attended a wedding where homemade ice cream made from cow’s milk was served. She decided to take a little trip down memory lane and imbibe in this sweet cold dish that she had enjoyed so much in her childhood. Her failure did not go without notice. As she took a bite, she looked up to see two grandsons looking at her with smiles of triumph on their faces.

“Look what Grandma is eating!” they exclaimed. “She likes ice cream as much as we do! You have been fooling us, Grandma! Shame! Shame! Don’t you ever tell us not to eat sweets again!”

The grandsons made the incident known to the other grandchildren. The poor grandmother had to tolerate much harassment from these young people who were thrilled to see her eat food she had spoken against.

Of course, it wasn’t a real failure. One dish of ice cream didn’t really hurt this dear lady, but the story illustrates how her example had influenced her grandchildren. They were well aware of her good habits and her excellent health. In spite of the ice cream incident, she had made an impact on them, which she hoped they would follow.

In the same manner, Hannah’s actions can speak clearly about the superiority of her lifestyle. At her house, Ronnie will always have tasty, healthy food to eat. Hopefully the message will take root and he will one day say: “I’m going to live like my grandmother!”

WHOLE WHEAT PIZZA DOUGH
1 pkg dry yeast
1 c warm water
1 t honey
1 t salt
2 T olive oil
2 1/2 c whole wheat flour
cornmeal
Dissolve yeast in warm water with honey. Stir in
remaining ingredients. Beat 20 strokes. Form into a
ball and let rest 5 minutes. Oil 14-inch pizza pan and
sprinkle with cornmeal. Divide dough in half (this
recipe makes 2 crusts so you may freeze extra crust
after rolling out). Roll dough on floured surface into
15-inch circle. Place dough over pizza pan and press
down to fit sealing edges. 

MAKE YOUR OWN PIZZA
Buy Classico Basil Spaghetti Sauce or any healthy sauce.
Make the above crust or buy whole wheat tortillas or
English muffins. Experiment with toppings that please
children.

WHOLE GARDEN TOPPING
Cover crust with spaghetti sauce. Thinly slice broccoli,
cauliflower, bell pepper, onions and olives. Bake at 375
for 8 to 10 minutes.

BARBECUE TOPPING
Mix drained and rinsed chickpeas with barbecue sauce.
Spread over crust with chopped red onion, bell pepper
and parsley. Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes.

ROASTED CHICKPEAS
1 can chickpeas
1 T olive oil
1/8 t salt
1 t garlic powder
Drain beans and spread in a single layer on a sprayed
cookie sheet. Dry thoroughly with a paper towel,
drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder
and salt. Roast in the oven 30 to 35 minutes stirring
every 10 minutes.  

APPLE PIE POPCORN SNACK
6 c popped corn
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t nutmeg
1/4 t allspice
1 T coconut oil
1 T honey
1/4 c chopped pecans
Mix spices. Combine popcorn, apples and pecans.
Mix coconut oil and honey together then dump on
popcorn mixture. Shake to coat popcorn, then add
the spices and shake again.