Sunshine Coast mother fights obesity epidemic
Thu 06 December 2007
Jo Styles, Bachelor of Journalism
Childhood obesity in Australia is on the increase, but one Sunshine Coast mother-of-four, author and health expert is determined to help fight this epidemic.
Natural food and lifestyle coach, and author of Snack it Out, Donalee Halkett says the war 
against obesity can be won through a combined effort from the government, educators, health professionals and most importantly through informing parents about preventative lifestyle measures.
“As parents, we are responsible for teaching our children daily, healthy, lifestyle choices and habits,” Ms Halkett says.
Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet along with daily exercise, drinking plenty of water and getting proper rest is just some advice Ms Halkett offers.
It is this advice parents need to put into action if they want to help their children live happy, healthy lives and avoid obesity.
The Australian Government says, “Australia is one of the fattest nations on earth”, with up to a quarter of Australian children aged 7-15 years overweight or obese.
The Commonwealth Government believes the problem of obesity is complex, but says it is dedicated to lowering the obesity statistics through implementing various health initiatives. These include the Healthy Active Ambassador program and the Active School curriculum, which aims to educate children on living healthy and active lifestyles.
However, Ms Halkett believes governments need to do more if they are truly committed in fighting this epidemic.
Ms Halkett suggests banning many manufactured food products, making stricter guidelines for food production and banning many of the food products allowed in school canteens.
“One of the main reasons we are seeing such a rapid increase of obesity in our children is the high consumption of refined, processed, packaged (and) devitalised foods,” Ms Halkett says.
“(These) are high in fats, sugars, salt, loaded with chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavours and colours and low in nutritional value.”
Ms Halkett says parents need to understand buying these foods for their families is not a good choice and plays a big part in the health of the nation.
Instead, Ms Halkett suggests eating a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables to help families stay healthy.
“Eating fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains are an essential part of a balanced diet… preventing a range of diseases, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer,” she says.
“Avoid packing chips, chocolate bars … lollies, processed fruit bars, muesli bars, sports drinks, soft drinks and cordial… as they increase the likelihood of weight gain and tooth decay.”
Ms Halkett says a good, healthy diet and lifestyle are “the building blocks… for good health, good learning, concentration and even behaviour patterns”.
However, for parents to achieve the desired results for their children to lead healthy and active lifestyles, Ms Halkett says it is imperative for parents to be consistent in the choices they make for both themselves and for their families.
“I guess the most challenging part of this journey as a parent is to be consistent in your own choices and (be) a good role model,” Ms Halkett says.
Ms Halkett encourages her children and others to live by her daily quote to “make healthy choices”.
Image(s) designed by Jo Styles