It's Girl Scout cookie time here in North Texas. And yes, I am a Cookie Mom! By media's standards, you would think that this is an oxymoron. How can Angela be a dietitian, with pediatric expertise nonetheless, also promote Girl Scout cookies? This is a really good example of what I believe is the problem with society's obsession with weight. More on that in a moment....

Girl Scouts in an amazing organization that teaches young girls core values, self- confidence to withstand peer pressure and solid work ethic, all which have a lifelong impact. Girl Scout cookie sales is one tool they use to assist in their teaching. Cookie sales builds confidence, responsibility and develops great social skills. I am seeing this firsthand with my daughter! It saddens me that I am seeing a lot of Facebook posts of people commenting about how "bad" they have been with their Girl Scout cookies. It is not the intention of Girl Scouts to make people feel bad. On the contrary, we want to make people feel proud that they have donated to a great cause! Our troop is donating part of our cookie profits to Haitian relief, although all troops are raising money for a good cause. If you really feel out of control around Girl Scout cookies or other similar sweets, consider donating your cookies to a local food pantry or even sending it overseas to our military troops.

But this brings me back to my bigger point than Girl Scout cookies. Many people see things as black and white, and food habits are no exception. Being a healthy eater is defined differently on an individual basis. I have found that many people define it as an unrealistic standard that is difficult to attain by anyone. This has caused people to become very uneasy around high calorie foods, including Girl Scout cookies. We need to stop this belief! Food has been put on this earth to enjoy and nourish. In order for any person to get in command of their eating habits, they must make friends with all types of food. Stop thinking that eating certain foods makes you unhealthy or even worse, a bad person. What are we teaching our children with this mentality? Now, on the other hand, you must also teach your children healthy eating habits by eating high nutrient, lower calorie foods most of the time. I firmly believe that it is our attitude around food that has caused much of our problems. Let's get back to enjoying traditional, homecooked meals with lots of vegetables and appropriate portions. Let's enjoy tasty treats like Girl Scout cookies every once in awhile and let's get off the couch and play with our children more. Eating high nutrient foods make us "strong and smart" whereas too many high calorie, low nutrient foods do not give our bodies what it needs to excel in all areas of life. It's not about weight, it's about quality of life. If you believe that in your heart, your children will as well. Invest in them here and you will not regret it! Model any behavior you want to see in your children and they will follow suit.

All food fits into a healthy diet. And Girl Scouts does publicize the cookie nutritional information in order for you to plan them into your healthy lifestyle. Instead of being uneasy to view this information, look at it as information that provides power and confidence.

Have your Girl Scouts cookies, and eat them, too. :)