You are role models for your children. Your children watch your health habits. They see what you eat and how often you move. Until they are much older they rely on you to feed them and to choose what gets brought home from the grocery store. They eat what you cook or offer them. Do you know as much as possible about good nutrition? Do you understand portion size? Do you know how to read labels? Do you think children should drink juice or soda? Do you know all the reasons exercise is important? Can you think of any changes you can make to your lifestyle that can set a better example for your child?
The first step is to become an expert. Explore all the links we have provided. They are fun and informative and all lead to an enormous amount of information and ideas. Talk to us and ask questions at any visit. If you have a particular concern and need more help schedule a consult visit where we can spend more time individualizing a plan for you and your child.
Tips
- Decrease portion size
- Decrease or eliminate fast food
- Decrease or eliminate soda and juice
- Keep food and exercise journal
- Walk 10,000 steps per day
- Incorporate physical activity a minimum of 3 times per week
Links
USDA - United States Department of Agriculture
Kids Nutrition - The world of nutrition with nutrition explorations
Kids Health - The Food Guide
CDC - Tips for Parents – Ideas to Help Children Maintain a Healthy Weight
FDA - How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label
Kids Health - Nutrition & Fitness Center
Kids Health - Nutrition & Fitness Center For Parents