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Tips for 'Kids Eat Right Month' this August
Special to The Truth
You want the best for your
kids. As role models, parents and caregivers play a vital
role in children’s health -- teaching kids about healthful
foods and making sure they get enough daily physical
activity.
More than one third of
children and adolescents are overweight or obese, according
to recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
statistics. But childhood obesity, which is associated with
elevated risks of high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
bone and joint problems and sleep apnea, amongst other
adverse health effects, can usually be prevented.
“August, which is Kids Eat
Right Month, is the perfect opportunity for families to
focus on the importance of healthful eating and active
lifestyles,” says Marina Chaparro, registered dietitian
nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics.
To help, Chaparro is
offering parents and caregivers tips they can use to promote
healthy habits.
• Shop smart. Get your
children involved in selecting the food that will appear at
the breakfast, lunch or dinner table. Be adventurous by
picking a new food every week.
• Cook healthfully.
Involve your children in the preparation of all meals with
age-appropriate tasks. Getting your kids involved helps
teach them about food, and may entice them to try new foods
they helped prepare.
• Eat right. Breakfast is
a critical meal. Make sure no one in the family skips it --
including you. In the evening, sit down together as a family
to enjoy dinner and the opportunity to share the day’s
experiences with one another. Research indicates that
families who eat together have a stronger bond, and children
have higher self-confidence and perform better in school.
• Plan wisely. When
planning meals, start by filling half the plate with fruits
and vegetables, choosing low-sodium options. Make sure at
least half the grains your family eats are whole grains. For
beverages, choose water over sugary drinks, and opt for
fat-free or low-fat milk. Also, be mindful of appropriate
portion sizes.
• Get moving. After meals,
get moving together. Aside from being a great way to spend
time together, regular physical activity strengthens muscle
and bones, helps to achieve a healthy body weight and
supports learning. It can also help develop social skills
and build self-esteem. Kids are encouraged to be active for
60 minutes per day.
• Consult an expert. A
registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can deliver the
highest level of nutrition counseling. Consider consulting
an RDN to ensure your family is getting needed nutrients
with a meal plan tailored to your family’s lifestyle and
busy schedule. To search for an RDN in your area, to find
more healthful eating tips, recipes and videos, and to learn
more about Kids Eat Right Month, visit KidsEatRight.org.
As a parent, you are
highly influential, and habits formed early on could
potentially last a lifetime. Take steps to steer kids to a
path of good health.
Courtesy StatePoint
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