As a fitness trainer and woman who's experienced the fun of a childhood full of insecurities which led to several delightful years choc full of bulimia.....I'm always surprised to hear parents berating their bodies in front of their children and spewing the word 'fat' all over the place. What good does that do? None and I'll tell you why.

If you're a parent and you harp on fatness as if it's the greatest sin in the world, you will surely raise a child with a distorted body image. It's not fair to burden your child with your insecurities. When it comes to fitness, it's most important to teach healthy habits and focus on creating 'healthy bodies'. My two children, ages four and two, have never heard the word fat. Even though they meet hundreds of people I train who are trying to lose weight. All they know is that these people come to Mommy to learn how to exercise, eat healthy, and earn healthier bodies. Period.

The same goes for their little habits. I steer Ginger and Parker towards nutritious foods and explain to them that these choices are 'healthy for their bodies'. These foods will give them energy for gymnastics class, and help them make muscles so they can have more fun playing. Isn't that easy? Why would a parent warn a child that chips will make them fat? Instead of teaching good health, these words are suggesting to children that the appearance of their body counts above all else. Not acceptable. When it comes to traditional 'junk food', I just tell the kids that those foods are not healthy for their bodies, and that Mommy loves them too much to give them food that will make their bodies sick one day.

Another great reason to ban the word fat is to stop berating yourself. First of all, that's not good for you. Consistently repeating what a piece of crap you are because you think your thighs are too large serves no great benefit. It certainly won't make you thinner, and it more than likely will depress you into gaining even more weight. Plus, modeling vicious behavior will demonstrate that your children should also pick their bodies apart and find their own flaws to complain about. This degrading behavior is the kind of stuff that leads to eating disorders, substance abuse, accepting physical abuse and lower pay at work. If you don't feel worthy of greatness, why would anyone else view you as worthy? Don't teach your kids that. Greatness comes from kindness, generosity, education, work ethics, morality, etc.

Instead of calling yourself or anyone else fat, focus on health. Provide healthy food and opportunities for exercise. Discuss the benefits of great health, and congratulate your children and yourself when you do something that will lead to a long healthy life. Focus on energy, strength, and joy. The word fat in your home will do nothing but make everyone feel bad. Take care of yourself. Take care of your children. Be proud of who you are, and who you are to become. The word FAT has no place in a happy healthy home.