The dietetic professional listserve to which we subscribe is now flooded with the comments on the second show on The Learning Channel entitled: “Honey…We’re Killing the Kids”. Comments are ranging from “it seems more of a behavior problem than a nutrition problem” to “force feeding is terrible”. However the TV producers wish to present the problem and get their ratings, everyone seems to agree that the basic concept of the show is correct. Mealtime is a very important family time.
Our hectic lifestyles make it difficult to gather the family for a meal at home. Quick serve dining has in some cases almost replaced fast food at a restaurant. We really don’t even have time to load the kids into the car and make a quick stop at a fast food store before the evening activities start.
Studies have shown that eating meals together as a family can improve the children’s food habits as well as family communications. Kids tend to eat more fruits, vegetables and dairy foods at meals shared with their parents. Children learn by modeling themselves after their parents and to some extent other adults with which they have frequent contact. If the values of the adults don’t include healthy nutrition, the children will never learn good healthy lifestyle habits.
The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services have established dietary guidelines to help choose foods needed to support good health. The new food guide pyramid available at MyPyramid.gov allows anyone to supply the answers to a few questions and receive a healthy eating guide tailored to their individual needs. One of the basic principles of healthy eating include choosing a variety of foods from the basic food groups while staying within calorie needs. It takes a wide variety of foods to provide all the nutrients we require. Calories need to be controlled to manage body weight. Calories do count and need to balance with your exercise. Children need about 60 minutes of physical activity on most days to maintain good health and fitness. Not a bad goal for the parents also.
Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and choose more nonfat or low-fat milk. Fruits and vegetables are full of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and other compounds that contribute to good health. Dairy foods are an excellent source of calcium, protein and vitamins essential for children’s growth. Choose fats and carbohydrates wisely. Try to include more fish and olive oil in the diet. Make sure most of the carbohydrates you eat have plenty of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Take the salt shaker off the family dinner table. High blood pressure among teens is increasing at an alarming rate.
With school vacation fast approaching, now is the time to plan an appointment with Hill Nutrition Associates, Inc. at 772-220-8058 for help with implementing healthy eating habits. A 12 week program is available to help overweight children and teens.
