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When you turn to Dr. Stacy Hausmann for nutritional advice or weight loss options, she will always take a personalized approach to help you or your child meet your nutritional goals, whether that’s losing weight, getting more regular activity, or eating a healthier diet. You may have questions about your child’s nutritional needs, particularly as they grow. We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions regarding childhood nutrition.
Is fruit juice healthy?
Many people seem to think that juice is healthy, and while it does contain vitamin C, there are certainly better sources for ensuring your child gets enough of this important nutrient. Today, most fruit juices found at the grocery store are chock full of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk for cavities. A better alternative is whole fruits since they provide more nutritional value than juice will.
How many calories should my child consume a day?
How many calories your child consumes will depend on their gender, age, and activity level. A recommended calorie range for kids between 6-12 years old is between 1600-2200 per day. Very well Family provides a more detailed breakdown by age and gender.
I’m worried that my child might not be getting the nutrients they need. What should I do?
First, it’s important to keep in mind that kids don’t need to eat as much as we do, so their portions will be considerably smaller than ours. If your child is eating a healthy balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains and growing then chances are good that they are getting the nutrients they need; however, if you find that your child is refusing meals or isn’t eating it’s important to bring this up with your pediatrician as soon as possible.
How can I prevent my child from becoming overweight or obese?
To help your child maintain a healthy weight they must be eating a healthy, balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein. Make sure that they are also getting at least one hour of physical activity every day. Limit sugar and processed foods. It is also recommended to provide meal and snack time free of television or other tech time. Research shows that children and adolescents who eat their meals and snack in front of the television and technology have an increased risk of becoming overweight and/or obese.
Is snacking okay for my child?
Young children may seem voraciously hungry and may beg for snacks. How many are, okay? It’s normal for little ones to want food every 3-4 hours. While snacking can be a great way to prevent kids from overeating during mealtimes you don’t want to ply them with treats (and you want to be sure you’re providing them with nutrient-rich snacks rather than sugary ones).
A snack mid-day between lunch and dinner is typically the best time. If it’s only going to be a couple of hours before a meal, then something small like a piece of fruit or a slice of cheese with crackers is good. If your child isn’t going to eat for more than four hours then you’ll want a snack that incorporates protein, fat, and carbs to satiate their appetite.
What Dr. Hausmann Offers
If you are concerned about your child’s health because they are “picky eaters” or are struggling with their weight, Dr. Stacy Hausmann can provide options that can help them lead a healthier lifestyle.
Here at North Woodmere Medical Care, PLLC, in Valley Stream, NY (North Woodmere) we work with each parent and child as a team to provide a personalized assessment and plan to help your child or adolescent eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in nutrients that are important to our youngsters.
Dr. Hausmann is trained in Culinary Coaching, Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine for physicians and is prepared to guide each parent about how to shop, cook and eat healthy home-cooked meals. Dr. Stacy Hausmann also provides personalized weight loss options that are tailored to your needs and will work with each family to empower youngsters and their parents to eat healthy, exercise, and reach their nutritional and weight goals.
If your child is a picky eater or overweight or obese and is looking for a compassionate physician in Valley Stream, NY, (North Woodmere) that offers tailored, nutritional guidance, culinary coaching, and weight loss programs through proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, then call North Woodmere Medical Care at 516-791-9010 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hausmann.