Find your best self before the wedding ceremony and read marriage, relationship, and wellness tips from Denver wedding officiant, Michael Moody.
99 Ways to Redefine Yourself Today
Here is the master list of intent from my self-improvement book, Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness. Use it to set your path in 2019.
1. Believe that you can redefine yourself.
2. Create a business plan for your life.
3. Become a human scientist and study the physical, mental, and emotional you.
4. Make it a point to understand yourself and others.
5. Commit to this journey and don’t take the easy way out.
6. Become an outside observer of the mechanics of your mind and think about your thinking.
7. Ask yourself the tough questions and answer honestly.
8. Practice looking at yourself objectively.
9. Trust your instincts, your gut, and your perspective, but know where they stem from.
10. Don’t be a bystander in the course of life.
11. Adopt the mantra “Keep it Simple”.
12. Write your new mantra on a post-it note and place it in numerous places as a reminder.
13. Confront your inner influences.
14. Approach new ideas with an open mind.
15. Realize that you’re not alone.
16. Practice mindfulness.
17. Teach yourself to wake up to life around you—and inside of you—at any given moment.
18. Schedule alerts throughout the day to remind you to “take a breath”.
19. Listen to your inner voice.
20. Catch yourself making negative statements about yourself while randomly doing other things and write them down.
21. Don’t analyze yourself.
22. Filter your subconscious messages.
23. Create a list of positive messages and repeat them to yourself daily.
24. Face your inner self.
25. Remove the invisible obstructions that hold you back from achieving personal success.
26. Become a detective and collect the truth of a moment, observing yourself and every movement, sight, touch, scent, and sound of the world.
27. Gather evidence for the truth without judgment.
28. Don’t take a leap of faith without stopping first and observing the moment.
29. Accept that you don’t know everything.
30. Stop the train of life and pick up the bits and pieces around you every once in a while.
31. Remain aware before making a decision, judgment, or movement and commit to a higher state of living.
32. Accept the real perfections and imperfections of the world.
33. Soak in the aura of a moment wherever you are as often as possible.
34. Don’t dwell on the imperfections of you, your situation, or your surroundings.
35. Remove yourself from a situation when necessary (despite your emotional investment).
36. Don’t fixate on imperfect pieces of life that are unchangeable at the moment.
37. Don’t construct a rose-colored reality to mask the blight and scathing.
38. Accept things in their current state, including the blight and scathing.
39. Sometimes listen to your subconscious when it taps you on the shoulder.
40. Sometimes ignore your subconscious when it taps you on the shoulder with the same negative message.
41. Remember this quote by Frederick Douglass, a former slave and leader in the abolitionist movement. Accept that what you discover isn’t always the easiest to handle (and that’s okay): “…I would at times feel that learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing. It had given me a view of my wretched condition, without the remedy. It opened my eyes to the horrible pit, but to no ladder upon which to get out. In moments of agony, I envied my fellow slaves for their stupidity. I often wished myself a beast.”
42. When you don’t accept it, tell yourself again and again and again that you should.
43. Quit complaining and do something.
44. Accept your ‘selfish friends’ as they are and ignore their ‘selfish’ tendencies. Discuss with them how their actions make you feel or begin dismantling your friendship.
45. Accept that the president (insert Republican, Democrat, or Independent here) is the leader of the United States. If you don’t support them, then either get involved with politics, make a grassroots effort for change, or ignore their political decisions.
46. Develop an evidence-based strategy to overcome challenges and choose the best possible decision.
47. Judge yourself fairly.
48. Don’t avoid looking at yourself.
49. Accept that obsessive, perfectionist ambition will lead to a perfect state of stress and an emotional unacceptance of your life.
50. Limit your distractions and listen to the people around you.
51. Don’t multitask (sorry).
52. Accept that feeling overwhelmed or frustrated is the result of your perspective.
53. Think rationally about the challenges you face daily.
54. Identify the fears that steer your behavior.
55. Refuse to allow insecurities to steer your behavior.
56. Tell yourself that you’re strong enough to face your fears again.
57. Tell yourself that your insecurities are irrational.
58. Find the root of your insecurities and write down the evidence against these irrational claims.
59. Extinguish Your Insecurities.
60. Don’t worry what people think unless you request their input.
61. Accept people’s input, but remember you don’t always have to agree with their opinion or approach.
62. Leash and manage your emotional output.
63. Develop a cool head that will allow you to see the whole picture without a filter.
64. Recognize what drives your emotions and the coping behaviors that result.
65. Accept that you failed to reach these goals once before, and you may fail again.
66. Regain control over your life.
67. Feel confident about your approach, accepting the consequences, and adapting whenever and wherever needed.
68. Take control of the trends, patterns, and little idiosyncrasies that make up your world.
69. Don’t say “It is what it is” unless you’ve fully investigated yourself and the possible solutions.
70. Accept that improving a relationship might mean adapting or leaving it.
71. Identify the areas in your personal life in which you feel helpless.
72. Find control over your happiness at work.
73. Take control over your position and reshape it in a way that brings fulfillment to you.
74. Reevaluate your role in the company.
75. Change or redefine your position so that it fosters autonomy.
76. Request a position that values your creativity and judgment.
77. Understand your decision-making process.
78. Control the external influence on your decisions.
79. Convince yourself that you can change your environment.
80. Approach new problems with confidence.
81. Identify the problem accurately and specifically.
82. Consider as many solutions as possible and their implications.
83. Choose the best solution and then act.
84. Accept that making mistakes is part of the learning process, and sometimes we have to make them repeatedly before we notice they’re a problem.
85. Accumulate wisdom through error.
86. Change bad habits by inserting a new routine, keeping the old cue, and delivering the old reward.
87. Accept that you already live by a set of rules.
88. Redefine your boundaries based on your needs (not your wants).
89. Create conversations with others.
90. Realign your perspective with your purpose—what you feel you were meant to do.
91. Create goals to maintain your positive focus.
92. Create a bucket list.
93. Slow down your life.
94. Treat life as an adventure and explore the unknowns.
95. Smile more often.
96. Share wisdom with others.
97. Give people the benefit of the doubt more often than not.
98. Help someone when you notice it.
99. Be your best self.
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
My List of New Year’s Resolutions (and How I’ll Achieve Each)
Introduction
It’s that time of year when I secretly eat chocolate, dream of eggnog, and write everything down that I will do differently in the new year. While most people run away from resolutions, I embrace them. It’s a chance to check in on ME and create a new normal. I usually begin this process by compiling a list of day-to-day stressors. Eventually, it results in a specific list of changes, each with a resolution plan. With this being said, here is my expansive list of New Year’s resolutions and how I will achieve each! Here I come, 2019!
List of New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s Resolution: I will sleep 7.5 hours per night.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Of all of the health and fitness tips I recommend, nothing is more valuable than a whole night’s rest. Based on my physical self-study, I’ve determined that 7.5 hours is ideal for proper recovery. I feel ready to take on the world on those days, and my creativity flows like an easy stream. Although the number of hours of sleep will be a priority, I will also ensure that bedtime falls within a 60-minute range for consistency.
New Year’s Resolution: I will write my second book.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I’ve been talking about it for months (instead of years like I usually do) and have started this process 2 weeks ago. To ensure its completion, I’m dedicating 30-minute writing sessions on 5 weekdays each week. Modest, approachable, and adaptable.
New Year’s Resolution: I will say, with reasonable certainty, "I understand," before I say any one of the following things: "I agree," or "I disagree," or "I suspend judgment."
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I want to challenge what I really understand during a conversation. Instead of offering an opinion, I will confirm the other person’s point vocally and then express a judgment based on the facts. I will also try to identify my biases and express those explicitly. And, yes, I will accept the luck that you wish me right now. I'm armed and ready to take on this approach, but I need to make it a habit. I plan to add this resolution to the top of my day-to-day calendar as a reminder.
New Year’s Resolution: I will stop fiddling with my phone while driving.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I will purchase a phone mount for my dashboard. I hope this will limit fumbling with my phone or peering down at it to see the GPS. Cheers to a safer road for everyone!
New Year’s Resolution: I will integrate an efficient calendar system for taxes, bills that aren’t automated, anniversaries and birthdays, and home maintenance.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I will set aside 60 minutes on New Year’s Day to schedule everything that needs to be planned in my life for the year in Google Calendar. Once I receive the email reminder, I must take action within 60 minutes, or as soon as possible.
New Year’s Resolution: I will thoroughly write a set of childcare instructions for our babysitters.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I will set aside 15 minutes on New Year’s Day to write a set of childcare instructions for our babysitters with my wife and save them on my phone. I will also print a version and stick it on the side of the fridge.
New Year’s Resolution: I will reorganize my closets to make whatever I need easier to access.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I will install shelving in the common hallways and reorganize the downstairs and master bedroom closets. I will create a map to show the placement of these items for quick access.
New Year’s Resolution: I will create a top ten list of easy, healthy go-to meals.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I will list the meals I already enjoy and begin experimenting with at least one dish/recipe each week. I will befriend Instapot cookbooks.
New Year’s Resolution: I will integrate at least one different ethnic dish each day.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I will use the ethnic seasoning guide from Dr. Fuhrman’s book, End of Dieting, to add a different taste profile to a dish each day as a minimum-effort approach. For more options, I will return to my new friend, the Instant Pot cookbook.
New Year’s Resolution: I will invite my 19-month-old son, Preston, to help me with any task I’m completing in front of him.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: While it may seem like I’m encouraging child labor here, I’m really stimulating Preston’s neurons and teaching him the basics of life, such as cleaning out a dishwasher, throwing garbage away, and completing my taxes. Too often, I complete a task without considering it as a teachable moment. Interestingly enough, Preston loves to help! Who would have known that he loved tax work!
New Year’s Resolution: I will create and stick to a new fitness routine each month.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I always write programs for my personal training clients, but I rarely make the time to design one for myself! I need a personal trainer too, you know! Moving forward, I will create a new 5-day program during the last week of every month.
New Year’s Resolution: I will check my phone only once in the 2 hours before bed.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: No matter how tired I am, a phone or computer has electrifying effects on my brain. Not only does this stimulation affect my ability to fall asleep, but it also disrupts my present-minded state. I will set a daily alarm to remind me to shut off before I shut down for rest.
New Year’s Resolution: I will read one book per month.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Reading has always helped me reason with clarity. It somehow brings structure to my wandering thoughts, which improves my day-to-day focus, comprehension, and communication. I will read 10 pages per day to achieve this goal each month.
New Year’s Resolution: I will perform at least 5 minutes on the Stairmaster every weekday.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Humans depend on oxygen. Cardiovascular activities, like the dreaded Stairmaster, increase lung capacity and improve stamina. Most importantly, it increased my access to oxygen…hence this resolution.
New Year’s Resolution: I will simplify my budget so that every bill is automated from 1 bank account.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Simple and automated equals less stress. Trying to figure out which bill is being paid from which account while transferring money between accounts is inefficient and often frustrating. No mas!! Simplify, simplify! This process has already started and will be audited on New Year’s Day.
New Year’s Resolution: I will reach out to one person I haven't spoken to in over a month each week.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I admit I get lost in the day-to-day obligations of life. Along the way, great friends and family have fallen victim to my silence. Since relationship maintenance is a priority, I will choose one new person I haven’t spoken to in over a month and reach out via text or phone —a small effort but a worthwhile way to stay in touch.
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
"10 Nighttime Habits That Will Transform Your Tomorrows" Review
Introduction
Having trouble falling asleep? With the close of the year, there is plenty to stress about (and I’m sure it doesn’t help your sleep). I’ve dissected a recent article on Livestrong.com and picked out the best ways to redefine how you hit the pillow.
Unplug to Recharge
Even your beloved smartphones can’t keep going nonstop without recharging, and your mind is no different. At least 30 minutes before bed, turn off all your devices to give your mind time to relax and unwind. You may notice the inevitable side effect of feeling more present to enjoy the final moments of your day.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Unfortunately, computers and phones stimulate my neurons to caffeine-like levels (even if I am tired). Most often, I need to unhook 120 minutes before bedtime, otherwise I'll stare at the ceiling for an hour while trying to sleep. It took an excellent level of experimentation, and I know the boundary line varies from person to person. I have found that my personal training clients aren't much different, though.“Un-wined”
Put down that glass of vino! “Rose all day” on weekends if you want to, but if you're going to wake up alert, focused, and productive, avoid alcohol before bed. It can lead to frequent sleep interruptions in the latter half of the night as blood sugar levels spike. And those disruptions to your REM sleep can cause next-day drowsiness. Try some herbal tea to wind down instead!
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I seriously consider the effects of wine and food on my blood sugar levels….especially before bedtime. Typically, your blood sugar rises to its highest level around 2 hours after your last meal. A similar effect takes place with the consumption of alcohol too (although often sooner due to its simple carb ability to spike the bloodstream at a quicker speed). With all this said, the actual effects of this consumption may occur after you crash into the pillow, and your body will need to respond rather than recover.Prepare for Tomorrow
Take some time the night before to choose and lay out your wardrobe for the next day. Pack your bag or briefcase too, and don’t forget a healthy lunch! Being prepared the night before makes mornings less hectic and gives you time to ease into your day consciously.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I’m a man of lists. If my next day isn’t organized, I play out every scenario in my mind like a movie. Of course, my sleep is compromised with this type of brain activation! My hard rule: I don’t let anything sit on my mind. I write it down and often organize those thoughts as fast as they appear.Have a Pajama Party
Put on those PJs! Experts say that a conscious transition into “bedtime” mode actually helps your body and mind begin to prepare for sleep. Choose something loose-fitting, calm, and comfy for optimal relaxation.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: You’re probably wondering, “I didn’t know Michael has pajama parties!!!” I don’t, but you shouldn’t judge me if I did! I have established a routine of changing into comfy pants and a t-shirt every night to cue my relaxation time. Many of my routines are pretty well consistent for a good reason. Not only do they eliminate decision fatigue, but they also cue a state of comfort (especially before bedtime).Stick to Your Bedtime
Set an earlier, non-negotiable bedtime for optimal sleep. Getting a whole night’s rest (seven to nine hours is the optimal range) gives your body time to replenish. It can help regulate your hormones, recharge your body at the cellular level, and refresh your mind. A good night’s sleep is one of the best and most scientifically proven ways to enhance our mood, energy, and productivity.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: The body is a creature of routine and depends on its circadian rhythm to reach its most optimal self (homeostasis). It wants to predict your eating and sleeping schedules to efficiently and effectively handle the influx of fuel or recovery time. While it’s important to sleep the most appropriate number of hours, the consistency of your bedtime schedule will also determine its effectiveness. So, literally sticking to my typical bedtime of 11 or 11:30 on most nights has been just as important to me as the length of my sleep.
Photo Credit:
videoblocks .com–What keeps you up at night?
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
What Being a Parent Taught Me About Managing Stress
Introduction: The Big Aha Moment
My 18-month-old son, Preston, taught me how to manage stress more effectively without knowing it! What a smart little man!
The reactive assumption, without breaking it down: Babies teach us nothing! They are little animals trying to survive in nature. What do they know!!!
The real breakdown: Giving birth to a child will change your life forever. You will always need to think about others, be mindful of your risk-taking behavior, plan ahead, focus on meaningful interaction, show empathy and sympathy… wait a minute, shouldn’t we be doing this anyway (with or without a child)! In all honesty, my wife, Sammy, and I haven’t felt the drastic change in life that most people claim. The responsibilities and the day-to-day approach may have been reshaped, but the principles remain the same. Although that’s true, Preston has inspired new approaches to managing stress. He unknowingly prepared a Stress 101 curriculum for his Dad —a model of human instinctive behavior. Without a doubt, it made me rethink my needs and how I structured my life to minimize stress. Here’s how:
Observation: I need to prioritize my primary (survival) needs before pursuing any secondary tasks/projects.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: A long time ago (when Preston was 0-8 months), Sammy and I relied on Preston’s cries to alert us to his basic survival needs: Changing his diaper, laying him down to sleep, giving him milk, making sure he was not too cold, and making sure he was not too hot. While a parent will always look for severe signs of discomfort or sickness as a caution, the primary focus is on this list. If we fail to meet these demands, Preston’s cries will, uhm, continue for a very long time (rightfully so).
Now, Preston’s ego has certainly kicked in, and life is more complicated (e.g., crying may result from an inability to communicate in a way we understand, a lack of attention, or societal restrictions on haphazardly tossing toys down the stairs). Although his cognitive abilities may muddle what he needs in the moment and how he communicates it, Sammy and I still consider Preston’s survival needs a priority. I take the same approach with myself when I experience discomfort or stress. Poor Preston can’t move on until we meet these needs, and I can’t either. And, yes, I’m a big baby.
Unfortunately, my advanced cognitive brain taught me to ignore or distract myself from these innate physical needs for most of my life. With my new observations of Preston in mind, I began asking myself the following question: How often do I hold off on eating lunch or visiting the restroom because I need to finish a computer project? How comfortable do I feel while ignoring these cues? What level of stress do I experience while “h-angry” or squirming in my chair? How often does it redirect my focus from the project? Does it contribute to a subtle (or not-so-subtle) anxiety?
Once I considered these questions, I started to realize the level of discomfort and stress I created by ignoring my need to eat, sleep, or potty (think like Preston). Despite my efforts to suppress the need, it was still sitting in my unconscious and manifesting itself in several ways, including impatience, irritability, reactiveness, etc. In terms of creativity, effectiveness, and efficiency, I never want anything to become an obstacle to my success. Sometimes, the most stressful situations in my life have been resolved with this renewed focus on my physical self. President Bill Clinton always fed diplomats before an important meeting, and I will undoubtedly continue to take the same approach.
Observation: Routine Rules!
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Babies are creatures of habit and routine. Please let me rephrase this: ALL of us are creatures of habit and routine. Babies thrive on the predictability of a schedule. It isn’t a result of feeling cognitively satisfied with their adherence to a routine. They rely on physical cues to trigger action for food and sleep. The core system of their bodies loves to efficiently and effectively prepare for both (think hormonal release). Ever wonder why babies typically wake at the same time every day? For some reason, Preston never realizes that it’s the weekend and that Mama and Papa want to sleep an additional 1-4 hours. He continues to wake at 7:15 am, almost within 5 minutes every day (even on Saturdays!!!). While less convenient for sleeping parents, it contributes to a healthy lifestyle and proper recovery time. In a perfect world, I don’t need an alarm, and my body takes a systematic approach to slowly wake me, starting three hours before that typical time. What an efficient machine! The exact process takes place with a consistent eating schedule. The human body wants to predict the subsequent influx of fuel to use it as efficiently as possible (hence why you’re hungry at noon on Saturdays if you typically eat every weekday at noon).
Of course, if we miss one of Preston’s naps, he reaches an epic level of irritability that’s difficult to calm. I can’t, it’s much different when I’m overtired. If my body typically rests for the night at 11:30, it certainly gives me an internal physical smack until I succumb to its demand. I easily recognize when I’m pushing these limits and fighting my physical self (especially if I’m working on a work project late at night). Unfortunately, the anxiety I feel as a result ends up affecting my ability to fall asleep when I eventually hit the pillow. A routine helps me become an efficient machine, and it will protect it as much as it comes. The more I fight it, the more discomfort I feel, and the same goes for meal timing.
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
5 Ways to Make Your Child a Healthy Eater
Introduction
Myth: Kids can eat whatever they want.
Reason Parents Give: “They’re children…they can get away with it.”
Many parents believe the myth that children can really eat whatever they want. As a parent, I wish this were true! It’s a lot of work showing my 17-month-old son, Preston, a PowerPoint presentation about the benefits of broccoli. Unfortunately, that first statement is false (and it makes sense why). Think about the period of 0-11 years of life for a child. Do you see any other period of physical and mental development as drastic in a human’s life? Absolutely not. The growth during this span of time is tremendous and pivotal to the physical foundation of one’s life. Why wouldn’t you give your child the proper fuel to not only build it efficiently and effectively but also protect the process with the best immunity? The good Dr. Fuhrman says it best:
The poor dietary habits of today’s children are contributing to the development of obesity, reduced brain function, higher incidence of allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and emotional and behavioral disorders, such as depression and ADD. Poor nutrition also increases occurrence and severity of infections and results in chronically reoccurring infections such as sinusitis and otitis media (ear infection). It is also laying a foundation for poor academic performance, chronic disease later in life, violent behavior, and premature death. A Nutritarian diet is essential for a disease-free, healthy, and happy child.
I know what you’re thinking, “Good luck getting your kid to eat a plant-based diet.” I fully realize the difficulties here. At times, Preston will refuse everything until he gets what he wants (a tough customer!). You need to remember that our little ones aren’t much different from adults. Here are several strategies to dramatically improve your child’s diet and health without running for cover:
Introduce new foods…and try it again next month.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Do you want to eat the same thing all the time? Unless it’s pizza, bacon, and ice cream, you’ll probably answer “No” (and rightfully so). Not only does neural stimulation greatly diminish after the 5th bite, but you also lose the mental and emotional excitement of eating a new dish. Poor Preston suffers whenever we discover he likes a new dish. “Do you like frozen peas and butternut squash, Master P?” Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssss! And then we feed him that for 10 straight meals until he throws it on the ground (and we don’t have a dog).
If your approach is on repeat, too, I get it. Be mindful of your (and my) laziness, though. Chalk up a new food gobbled up in seconds as a victory, but continue your experimentation. Your child has not tried the vast array of dishes that our world offers (and you most likely haven’t either). Move on to something new and help your child stimulate her senses. You’ll always have the peas and butternut squash in your backpack. And if it doesn’t work today, try the dish again in 4 weeks. Your child’s palate and senses are evolving, and his or her preference or sensitivity will change over time, too. With this being said,….Add a variety of different tastes, smells, and textures (including different seasonings and sauces).
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Babies and kids are curious animals exploring the world. I honestly admit to restricting Preston’s scientific tendencies. After all, who wants to see their eggs cracked across the kitchen floor for the sake of learning physics! Appeal to your child’s curiosity by opening her senses to the culinary world. Not only let your child physically touch and feel the difference between different fruits and vegetables, but also encourage her to smell and taste the bites of goodness (and it’s okay to get messy).
Take your experiment to a new level and assign a different ethnic style of food to each day. Add a combination of the seasonings and sauces most commonly found in that culture. For instance, if Monday is Mexican Day, add salsa and/or a taco seasoning to the meals (Tuesday can be Italian, Wednesday can be Indian, etc.).Model good behavior.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: If you’re serving a dish to your child, it’s a great time for you to eat too! Everybody loves company while they eat….and your child is no different. Ever been out to dinner and noticed a friend not ordering anything? You probably wondered, “Is Amy on a diet?”….”Is Amy upset?”…..”Does Amy not like me?”….etc., etc. Your child might be thinking the same about you in those moments! Interestingly, Preston will not eat at times but will not hesitate to sit on my lap moments later to grab the same food off my plate lovingly (and grub-bingly). Little P wants to share the experience with Papa!
Modeling good behavior goes beyond simply eating in front of your child. Eating the right foods is just as important, if not more so. What message are you sending when telling “No candy” to your child while eating the candy bar in front of her? It scares me to think about what Preston sees me doing. I recently started the habit of throwing his shoes into a rack near the door. What a surprise when I witnessed Preston tossing a bell strap across the daycare room….hitting the helpless victim, baby Liam, in the forehead. Shame on Papa! It’s a good reminder, though, that I have the opportunity to positively shape my son’s behavior by acting like a good, healthy citizen (especially while eating dinner). Take the initiative and demonstrate healthy eating behavior by eating nutritious food WITH your child.Determine your child’s food preferences and find the healthiest versions.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Let’s be honest: Your kids will be introduced to unhealthy foods at school, friends’ homes, parties, and more. It seems that many kids could eat an endless amount of candy and pasta (and they’ll let you know). If it’s a constant fight, not all is lost. Don’t forget that a piece of food can be a comprehensive sensory experience. It’s possible to replicate the experience with a healthy substitute. Not surprisingly, Preston instantly loved pasta (who doesn’t?). Instead of feeding him the enriched-flour, blood-sugar-spiking versions found on most American tables, we cook a pasta noodle made of chickpeas. It is a fantastic, more nutrient-dense option compared to white flour, wheat, and whole wheat, with protein and fiber. Although it may take research, there are other thoughtful substitutes for your child’s other unhealthy preferences, too!
Explain the benefits of every meal and the reasons why you’re eating it, too.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Why has parenting become so complicated????? Life was so much easier when you could respond to your child’s Socratic question, “Why do I have to do this?” with the answer, “Because I said so.” Now you have to explain things and….wait, never mind….we should’ve been doing this all along! Why? Because they don’t know better and need the message reinforced repeatedly (a lesson I now understand as an obligation of effective parenting). Your kids may not know why they need hemp seeds, nuts, collard greens, and a piece of fish on one plate. They haven’t established any value in eating healthfully. Take the time to illustrate why it’s crucial so that your kids eventually make the same independent choices without your supervision.
Photo Credit:
Shaw academy .com–Could your child’s answer to eating healthy be sitting in your lap?
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!