(StatePoint) With childhood obesity on the rise, making sure
kids eat right and get plenty of exercise is vital.
Parents and caregivers can play a big role in children’s
nutrition and health, teaching kids about healthy foods, being a good role
model and making sure physical activity is incorporated into each day.
August, which is Kids Eat Right Month, is a great time for
families to focus on the importance of healthful eating and active lifestyles.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is encouraging families to take the
following steps:
• Shop Smart. To encourage a healthy lifestyle, get your
children involved in selecting the food that will appear at the breakfast,
lunch or dinner table.
• Cook Healthy. Involve your child in the cutting, mixing
and preparation of meals. They will learn about food and may even be enticed to
try new foods they helped prepare.
• Eat Right. Sit down together as a family to enjoy a
wonderful meal and the opportunity to share the day’s experiences with one
another. Research indicates that those families who eat together have a
stronger bond, and children have higher self-confidence and perform better in
school.
• Healthy Habits. You can help kids form great, healthy
habits by setting a good example. Fill half your plate with fruits and
vegetables, choose lower-sodium options, and make at least half the grains your
family eats whole grains. For beverages, choose water over sugary drinks, and
opt for fat-free or low-fat milk.
• Get Moving. Aside from being a great way to spend time
together, regular physical activity is vital to strengthen muscle and bones,
promote a healthy body weight, support learning, develop social skills and
build self-esteem. Kids are encouraged to be active for 60 minutes per day.
Getting kids to eat right can sometimes be a challenge,
particularly if they are picky eaters. But experts say that a conversation can
help.
“Talk to your children. Learn the foods they like. Teach
them about the foods they need for their growing bodies. Find ways together to
make sure they have the knowledge and ability to eat healthy and tasty foods at
every meal,” says Angela Lemond, registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy
of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson.
It may help to consult a registered dietitian nutritionist
in your area to ensure your family is getting the nutrients it needs with a
meal plan tailored to your lifestyle and busy schedule.
For more healthful eating tips, recipes, videos and to learn
more about Kids Eat Right Month, visit www.KidsEatRight.org.
This August, reevaluate your family’s eating and exercise
habits, and take steps to make positive, healthful changes.
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