Ashley Rosales, Registered Dietitian
Ashley Rosales
About me:
Ashley Rosales, registered dietitian, received her B.S. in Clinical Nutrition from UC Davis and completed the dietetic internship program at Napa State Hospital. She has a professional background in nutrition for the elderly and has worked in both the clinical and community setting. However, she has found her true calling working in the field of nutrition education where she can empower others to make the best food and lifestyle decisions for their own optimal health and wellness.
Ashley’s fondest childhood memories took place in the kitchen helping her mom and grandmother cook, or around the dinner table sharing laughs with family and friends. As a wife and new mom she loves keeping the family mealtime tradition alive by preparing delicious and nutritious meals at home and she is inspired to help others do the same. She strongly believes that no matter what challenges families are faced with, such as limited time, lack of skills or even economic resources, they can find unique ways to share in a home cooked meal and reap all of the wonderful benefits of family meal time.
Her favorite quote: “We are indeed more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us be much more than what we are.”
Follow Ashley on Twitter: @Ashley_RD
Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn
Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Blog Carnival
This article was written for inclusion in the blog carnival hosted by Littlestomaks to promote awareness of childhood obesity as part of the National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Please read to the end of this article to find a list of links to the other carnival participants.
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We have been facing the growing reality of childhood obesity in this country for over a decade. In that time, the list of “no-no's” has continued to grow as we try to define the “cause” and “fix” the problem. As a new mom and as a registered dietitian, I am overwhelmed with the list of negatives, and I am ready to take a positive and proactive approach to improving the health of our children. So instead of a list of what not to do, here is a list of what we can and should do.
Divide the responsibility. Yes, as parents we have a lot of control, but let’s not take away the opportunity for our children to learn how to make their own food choices. Learning how to make choices is critical in developing a healthy relationship with food and a positive self-esteem. As Ellyn Satter has noted in her work with children and parents, your responsibility as a parent is to provide meals and snacks which include an array of nutrient-rich foods from all food groups. You decide the what, where and when. Try using the food groups as a guide and make sure you include variety in these choices. Then, let your children decide if and how much they are going to eat. It’s simple and will likely end the eating battles.
Lead by example. Children are observant. If we want our children to be more physically active, then we should grab our bike and ride with them. If we want our children to eat a diverse range of nutritious foods, our own plates should reflect that. The old saying, “do as I say and not as I do” needs to be put to rest and replaced with, “let’s do this together!”
Reinforce the positives. We often forget the power of positive words, actions and reinforcement. No matter what size or shape our children are, or what food choices they make, there is an opportunity for us to provide support free of judgment or criticism. Even some of our well-intentioned guidance can hinder our children’s self-esteem. The pressure that children have to lose weight or change their eating habits can damage efforts for positive lifestyle changes. Think about what messages you want to convey to your child and look for ways to communicate them through positive comments and actions.
It is time to take a positive and inclusive approach to solving childhood obesity. I am confident that by helping our children learn how to make their own healthy food and lifestyle choices, by being role models that emulate the changes we want to see, and by fostering a supportive family environment, we will finally make a lasting impact on the health of our children.
***Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:
7 Things Parents Say That Cause Eating and Weight Problems in Kids Michelle May, Physician and author of Eat What You Love Love What You Eat, highlights a few things parents say which can have unintended consequences (@EatWhatYouLove)
Childhood Obesity Kia Robertson of Today I Ate a Rainbow suggests that prevention of childhood obesity should start with education and educating parents about basics of healthy eating by breaking it into achievable parts (@eatingarainbow)
Childhood Obesity: A Reality Check Dr Susan Rubin, founder of BSF, suggests we change our approach to looking at childhood obesity (@DrSuRu)
Childhood Obesity: Prevention Starts in Infancy Nutrition expert Sarah Fennel reminds us that prevention is the best cure and offers a few tips to raise healthy eaters (@FoodFunHealth)
Giving Our Children a Chance at Health Registered dietitian Susan Dopart offers tips to parents for taking charge of their child's health in the world of over-processed "kid foods" (@smnutritionist)
Healthy School Campaigns Works on Creating Healthy Food Environments A report on Chicago's Healthy School Campaigns (HFC), a non profit dedicated to creating a healthy food environment in schools
How to Prevent and Manage Childhood Obesity Registered dietitian Jessica Levinson offers practical tips to prevent and manage childhood obesity (@JLevinsonRD)
Lessons I have Learned as a Mom Registered dietitian Alysa Bajenaru shares some of the lessons she has learned that have helped her develop a good understanding of what it takes to feed her kids (@InspiredRD)
Looking for a New Trend in Childhood Obesity? Registered dietitian Elizabeth Rahavi of the IFIC brings the focus back on family in the debate about childhood obesity (@FoodInsight)
Losing Weight: It Starts in Your Head Registered dietitian Cindy Williams reminds us of the power of attitude and mindset in losing weight and controlling obesity (@nutritionchic)
Making the Grade Registered dietitian Sally Kuzemchak evaluates her son's school programs on healthy eating and physical activity (@RMNutrition)
Obesity and GERD: A Family Affair Jan Gambino, author of Reflux 101, writes about the link between overweight and GERD
Revolutionize the Way Your Kids Eat in Five Easy Steps Sociologist Dr Dina Rose suggests we shift our focus from nutrition to eating habits if we are serious about solving childhood obesity (@DrDrRose)
Surprising Easy Solution for Preventing Childhood Obesity Research shows benefits of extended breastfeeding in reducing risk of childhood obesity (@TwinToddlersDad)
The Problem Behind Childhood Obesity Ken Whitman, Publisher of Organic Connections, points out that our national priorities concerning childhood obesity are misplaced and calls for a renewed focus on the health of our nations kids.
Yoga Gets Kids Moving Registered dietitian Danielle Omar has an interesting suggestion for solving childhood obesity - get your kids into yoga! (@2eatwellRD)