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On Wednesday, speaking at a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Michelle Obama promised to launch a national initiative against childhood obesity.
Her interest in this issue began with her own children. "In my eyes, I thought my children were perfect," the first lady said. "I didn't see the changes." That was until the Sasha and Malia’s pediatrician noticed a troubling pattern with their weight.
Over the next several months Michelle start making healthier choices for the girls, like giving them low-fat milk instead of regular milk, water instead of juice, fruit with breakfast and lunch, more veggies at dinner and no more watching television during the week. These simple changes got the girls back on track to maintaining a healthy weight.
Mrs. Obama said that's the message she hopes to share in her fight against childhood obesity is "small changes can lead to big results."
Try our snack swapper to find healthier alternatives to your kids’ favorite packaged snacks. Get some fun and creative ideas for packed lunches. And watch Cricket Azima, iVillage contributor and author of Everybody Eats Lunch, prepare a delicious panzanella salad that kids love.
