I have three daughters aged 13 to 18. I would describe them as very healthy, active girls, but all three told me this morning that they wanted to lose weight.

Swimsuit season does that to most women in the United States, but it really plays a number on our teens. There is no way to hide the belly fat if you are wearing a bikini, and if you are not wearing one, then it means you are trying to hide fat on your belly.

When my 14-year-old daughter asked to be sent away to a fat farm, I couldn’t help but yell. When I was 14, I too thought I was fat. I too wanted to lose weight because I felt chubby, but I was, and she isn’t.  Looking back, I would pay several thousand dollars to be that "fat" again! I told my daughter that I could pretty much guarantee in 30 years she too, would look back at this beautiful body she now has and wish she could have it back just the way it is! Oh, how silly we are when we are young.

We can blame fashion magazines, movie stars or TV, but it won’t change how our daughters are thinking about their bodies. I believe as mothers we take responsibility for the condition of our children’s health.  Snacks at home and activities both effect our children’s fitness levels. I am still learning how to take care of my own body, so I find it a little overwhelming that I am also in charge of the bodies of my offspring.

I offered my daughters the idea of turning our home into a "fat farm" for the next two weeks. We will wake up early to exercise and eat only fresh fruit and vegetables with healthy protein options to accommodate both vegetarian and carnivorous girls who live in my home.  I will offer prizes to my daughters who stay "on the farm" and keep up with the program in order to give the plan some added fun.

While I honestly don’t think my daughters need to lose a pound, I do know they need to exercise and eat healthy.  We all need to look after our bodies with special care and I believe this is a way to an active, positive approach to positive body image. It is a win-win situation.  I hope my girls will learn to turn their negative thoughts into positive action.  I want them to see themselves looking as beautiful as I see them!