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After reading several of the diet books available, I believe that they all work. But it’s like the smokers who say, “It’s easy to quit smoking, I’ve done it dozens of times.”

The Problem

The problem is not with the diets, the problem is with me. The problem is that I have always been accountable only to myself, and Myself is a very understanding person. Myself thinks it’s ok when I start snacking or eating wrong. Myself knows what it’s like to go to a cookout where only burgers and hotdogs are being served. I tell Myself that skipping a meal is bad for us, so if there’s nothing else we may as well have a burger. And you guessed it, Myself agrees with me each time.

The Solution

Here’s what I’m going to do about it. I’m going to make myself accountable to all of my readers. (That’s right, both of you) I wil give you my starting stats and provide occasional updates along the way. I will be under the care of my personal physician and will be visiting him monthly to check blood pressure, weight, and general health.

Maintaining the Motivation

I believe that making this public informaion will keep me motivated. Posting my progress will make me re-think that snack or extra helping. (Unless I lie about my progress, but I’ve read that I will go to hell for that.)

The Stats

I just went to the doctor and I’m 6′ 2-1/2″ tall and weigh 386 pounds. (But I’m big boned! And my bones are filled with lead!) Anyway, be on the lookout for an update soon.

Tags: Diet, Life Lessons by Eric Sanders
2 Comments »

I have found that soccer and basketball are the best sports for young kids to play. We signed my 4 year old son up for T-ball a couple of years ago. I could hardly wait to see him fielding balls, hitting homers, rounding the bases, and sliding across home plate. After several weeks of watching him sitting in the field pulling up grass while he waited for his turn to hit, we decided to try something different.

Soccer is great!

Soccer was a huge hit with my son and daughter. The nature of the game holds their attention non-stop. They are constantly running up and down the field in a pack kicking at anything in reach. Everyone feels like they are contributing during the entire game. After soccer season we signed my son up for basketball and my daughter for cheerleading.

Basketball keeps them focused

Basketball was similar to soccer in terms of holding their interest. It didn’t matter which team had the ball or which goal they were shooting at, everyone was happy. When the defense took possession they would stop play, have the kids run to the other end of the court and get both teams set up in their offense and defense positions. I guess this stopped any wrestling over the ball while trying to move up and down court.

Cheerleading teaching biblical principles

My daughter loved cheerleading. She was in the Upward program held at a local Baptist church. This is an awesome program. The registration fee included the uniform and a CD with scripture in contemporary song form. They had several cheers during the games and also did a big dance/cheer at intermission.

Keep it exciting

 I suggest that you really look at the amount of activity involved in any kid’s program before you register. There may not be enough to hold their attention.

Tags: Kids, Sports by Eric Sanders
1 Comment »

When I was around 8 years old my dad was scooping a bowl of ice cream. He was putting it in a translucent orange bowl. My 4 year old brother walked up and said, “What kind of ice cream is that?” Well I was standing there looking at a bowl of white ice cream and I said, “It’s vanilla, stupid! Just look at it!” My dad then told me to stoop down to my brother’s level and look at the bowl. When I did all I could see was an orange lumpy silhouette. The ice cream worked great to help get the taste of my foot out of my mouth.

Tags: Kids, Life Lessons by Eric Sanders
1 Comment »

My kids go to a private school with a  limited number of sports available, but they have an excellent academic progam. I occasionally hear parents say that when their kids reach a certain age they are going to move them to a public school so they can play more sports.

Sports should be enjoyable but not top priority

Now, I am a huge college football fan. I start counting down the days until the next season kickoff before the headlines can report who won the national title. But I have a real problem with people putting sports ahead of academics. I know there are some good schools that also offer several sports, but when that is the only concern of the parent it sends a really bad message to the kid.

Don’t cause your kids more stress

Let’s say you remove a kid from a great academic atmosphere so that he can play football. Now you have basically said that football is more important. Next let’s say that he makes the team but doesn’t get much playing time. Now he sees himself as failing at what you have indicated is the most important aspect of school. I think this can be confusing and damging for kids and only adds to the problems that jr high students face already.

Education always wins

 As far as I’m concerned, a great education is better that a mediocre sports career any day.

Tags: Education, Kids, Sports by Eric Sanders
2 Comments »