We created My Lunchbox Rocks™ because of some of these facts. We feel that My Lunchbox Rocks™ can aid in changing your childs habits and get them on the road to being healthy! With the healthy fun packed inside along with the 10 song CD, My Lunchbox Rocks™ will get your child motivated, energized, more active and finally picking up good habits that will effect the rest of their life.

Facts about childhood obesity:

• Overweight children are not gluttonous or lazy. In fact, many studies have shown that obese children do not eat more calories than their peers. And by actually measuring caloric expenditure using the double-labeled water method, investigators have shown that obese children actually expend more energy than their non-obese counterparts. Obese children need less food and more activity than their peers.
  
  
• Children are increasingly spending their free time plugged into computer games instead of burning off calories playing active games - even toddlers are reported as "lazy"! And it does not help that unhealthy snack foods are targeted directly at children, making them a tempting break-time option. Nearly half of all foods advertised during children's TV are cakes and sweets. Fruit and vegetables don't feature at all.
  
  
• Children in the United States are gaining more weight than ever before. They’re eating too many high-fat, high-sugar foods and are spending less time being physically active. Weight problems that develop during childhood can lead to weight-related illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes later in life.

Facts about using music to teach:

• On a daily basis, teachers are faced with two main issues -- how to get students motivated to learn, and how to keep them focused on what will be taught. Included in the latter is the how to ensure the material that is taught will remain in the student's memories for longer than the time it takes to teach the lesson. At least in the younger grades, it appears that music is the key to both of these issues. Children are naturally musical; that is, they love to listen to music and they enjoy singing. It therefore seems consequential that music should be used to achieve and maintain a child's interest in almost all subject areas.

5 Tips for Parents with Overweight Children

Just like overweight adults, overweight children are at a greater risk for illness and disease, such as diabetes. Here are some tips for helping kids get fit and stay healthy.

- Support your child. Don't criticize or blame him or her for the problem. Talk with your children about their concerns over weight and health. Teach them to accept and feel good about themselves whatever their body image.

- Change your behavior. Be a role model by paying attention to your own diet and fitness without being obsessed with it. Show your children that you are confident in yourself and your body.

- Get moving. Make exercise a family affair. There are plenty of activities that parents and children can enjoy together, no matter what the athletic abilities are. Plan family outings that include physical activities, such as walking, biking or swimming.

- Practice healthy eating. Families are busier than ever, but that doesn't mean you have to give up nutrition. Many cookbooks feature fast, healthy recipes. Don't restrict certain foods or kids will just want them more. Provide nutritious snacks and teach your children about making healthy food choices on their own.

- Little changes mean a lot. Just a few habit changes in your family can make a big difference. Discourage kids from eating while watching TV or on the computer. Eat as a family as much as possible and encourage kids to eat slowly and learn to enjoy good food. Invite children to participate in food choice and preparation.

For more information on healthy eating and exercise, talk to a registered dietician or professional trainer, particularly one who has experience or expertise with children. If you feel that your child's weight may be causing serious health problems, consult a physician immediately.

It's never too early to start healthy diet and fitness habits with your children, and never too late for you to make the switch to a healthy lifestyle.