The Washington Post had an interesting post on it's On Parenting blog about a pair of moms who were angry about the unhealthy food choices at their child's school and -- get this -- did something about it.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that my daughter's school adopted a wellness policy two years ago that has specific goals -- and a three year plan -- to create healthier students. Step one included removing soda from all school vending machines, switching to all skim or 1% milk products, eliminating high-fat, high-sugar desserts and serving smaller portions to elementary school children. In addition, the kids have active time every morning, gym twice a week and go outside for recess every day (except in the most severe weather).

In addition, classroom snacks are to be healthy alternatives to sweets such as crackers, pretzels, fruit and veggies with dip, cheese sticks, etc. They strongly discourage parents from bringing in snacks like cookies and cupcakes and ask that they not send soda pop in their child's lunch (if they pack).

All good news to me.

I've long thought that if America really wanted to do something about the growing obesity problem, they needed to start with the schools who were routinely dishing up fat-laden meals like macaroni and cheese, deep fried chicken nuggets, french fries and full-fat cheese pizza with pepperoni.

That's not to say that we should demonize cupcakes and hot dogs. Truly, everything is fine in moderation.

But, it only makes sense that -- along with their ABCs and 123s, schools should be encouraging kids to make the right food choices and lead active lifestyles.

I may not be as angry as these ladies, but I am prepared to put my money where my mouth is. I'm already dreaming up an elementary school running program to pitch to the PTO. Something that would introduce the kids to running -- perhaps have them run a marathon (over a period of months) and reward them with medals and such.

I know the last thing I need is one more thing to do, but...as with anything...we find time for the things that really matter to us.

Healthier kids matter to me. Healthy bodies create healthy self-esteem -- and if I can give them a good dose of that now it may help immunize them to the self-hatred that too often infects them (girls especially) in middle school.