Teaching Your Children About Nutrition
Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic.
It is estimated that currently one third of all children are overweight which can increase their risk for diabetes and other systemic health problems later-on in life.
Many experts attribute this change to vending machines in schools or lack of physical activity.
These may be contributing factors however, the biggest single factor is the eating habits a child will learn from their parents.
The bottom line is: If YOU don't eat your brussel sprouts, neither will your kids! The good news is eating healthy does not have to be difficult or expensive.
Here are some simple tips for eating healthy and ultimately, teaching your children by example.
Use a shopping list: Sticking to a shopping list will prevent impulse shopping and return trips to the grocery store, saving you time and money.
Food preparation: Plan your meals in advance and shop accordingly for the week ahead.
Prepare healthy snacks like carrot sticks, celery sticks, nuts berries and keep them on hand at all times.
Children will eat whatever is quick and available.
Avoid junk food: This may be obvious and easy to monitor at home, but keep in mind that most school cafeterias serve junk food exclusively.
Prepare brown bag lunches instead with whole grain sandwiches and fruits instead of giving your child lunch money.
Read your labels: If you can't pronounce it, you shouldn't eat it.
Especially so-called health foods like granola bars, fruit juices and pasta packages.
Also, watch for foods where sugar appears as one of the first three ingredients.
Chose Organic: Organic fruits and vegetables are better for you and cost around the same price, especially when purchased in-season.
Dinner time is family time: Turn off the TV and sit down as a family to eat dinner! This will teach your children a healthy respect for mealtime and will avoid rushed eating.
It is estimated that currently one third of all children are overweight which can increase their risk for diabetes and other systemic health problems later-on in life.
Many experts attribute this change to vending machines in schools or lack of physical activity.
These may be contributing factors however, the biggest single factor is the eating habits a child will learn from their parents.
The bottom line is: If YOU don't eat your brussel sprouts, neither will your kids! The good news is eating healthy does not have to be difficult or expensive.
Here are some simple tips for eating healthy and ultimately, teaching your children by example.
Use a shopping list: Sticking to a shopping list will prevent impulse shopping and return trips to the grocery store, saving you time and money.
Food preparation: Plan your meals in advance and shop accordingly for the week ahead.
Prepare healthy snacks like carrot sticks, celery sticks, nuts berries and keep them on hand at all times.
Children will eat whatever is quick and available.
Avoid junk food: This may be obvious and easy to monitor at home, but keep in mind that most school cafeterias serve junk food exclusively.
Prepare brown bag lunches instead with whole grain sandwiches and fruits instead of giving your child lunch money.
Read your labels: If you can't pronounce it, you shouldn't eat it.
Especially so-called health foods like granola bars, fruit juices and pasta packages.
Also, watch for foods where sugar appears as one of the first three ingredients.
Chose Organic: Organic fruits and vegetables are better for you and cost around the same price, especially when purchased in-season.
Dinner time is family time: Turn off the TV and sit down as a family to eat dinner! This will teach your children a healthy respect for mealtime and will avoid rushed eating.