For Parents
As parents, we understand that encouraging your kids to choose healthy food and to be active is not that easy. However, as more and more data show rates of childhood obesity are increasing, and we become more knowledgeable about the risks associated with obesity, we know the stakes are high. So please don't give up.
Other areas of this site that may interest you:
Online Resources
We want to help you make smart, healthy decisions as parents and adults. Check these online resources for more tips and ideas!
Monthly Challenge
Give these a try. Some you'll find fun, some, you may find too challenging. Some may fit your lifestyle, some may need a stretch. They are all worthwhile looking at, at least. Remember. There's no high tech solution to this problem.
Don't Neglect Breakfast
Beginning your day without breakfast is like starting your car without gas. Breakfast cereals provide a wide variety of nutrients that help to get you going!
Putting It All Together
Check out highlights from the American Dietetic Association's Good Nutrition Reading List.
Online Resources
Set physical activity goals, then enter and save them on a calendar where you can track you progress.
Calculate how many fruits and veggies you really need based on your age, sex and level of physical avtivity.
Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention
Since signs of osteoporosis don’t show up until later in life, keeping your bones healthy is a lifelong process. Beginning in childhood, your eating and lifestyle habits can protect you from this debilitating disease. Consuming enough calcium and engaging in regular physical activity need to be lifelong habits.
Here are some ideas for bone-healthy meals and snacks featuring calcium:
Breakfast: Cereal topped with yogurt
Snack: Melted low-fat cheese on a soft tortilla topped with salsa
Lunch or dinner: Chili or stew topped with low-fat shredded cheese
Remember, no matter your age, it’s not too late to start caring for your bones.
Parents: Take our Monthly Challenge and set a great example for your family!
Monthly Challenge:
September
Take advantage of the warm weather while it lasts! Head outside and take a family walk after work!
Share your success stories with us! Tell us about the Challenge activities you have completed and you will be entered to win a free prize!
Don't neglect breakfast!
Cereals—both the ready-to-eat and cooked varieties—provide vitamins, minerals and often lots of fiber. Adding lowfat milk, yogurt or fruit to the cereal further increases nutritional value.
When choosing cereals remember a few things:
-
Check the label for fiber content. Good fiber cereals have at least 2.5 grams per serving.
- Whole-grain cereals contain more fiber.
- Look for cereals with at least 25 percent of vitamins and minerals.
- Look for cereals that provide some healthy fat. For example, nuts, which are common ingredients in granolas.
Breakfast cereals often make good snacks. With their portable nature, cereals can be enjoyed dry or with milk.
Putting It All Together: Check out highlights from the American Dietetic Association's Good Nutrition Reading List
Feed Your Family Right!: How to Make Smart Food and Fitness Choices for a Healthy Lifestyle
by Elisa Zied, MS, RD with Ruth Winter, MS. Wiley, 2007.
Americans are just too busy to eat right and exercise regularly. Being in tune with your family’s tastes and genetics can help you plan for them to eat well and also create some fitness fun.
Mom’s Guide to Meal Makeovers
by Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RD and Elizabeth Weiss, MS, RD. Broadway Books, 2004.
Taking kids’ favorite foods and making them healthier is the focus of this book. Realistic ideas for improving the family’s diet and speeding up meal preparation by using basic foods.
A Parent's Guide to Childhood Obesity
by Sandra G. Hassink, MD, FAAP, Editor in Chief. American Academy of Pediatrics, 2006.
Addresses issues such as sneaking food, bingeing, snacking, encouraging physical exercise, preparing nutritious meals and partnering with family members, schools and child care providers.
American Dietetic Association Pocket Supermarket Guide, 3rd Edition
by Mary Abbott Hess, MS, RD, FADA, 2005.
Revised to reflect consumer shopping trends and packed with nutrition information and shopping tips. This new edition helps consumers make smart food choices based on personal dietary needs.
Eating on the Run
by Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD. Human Kinetics, 2004.
Features practical, healthful strategies for grocery shopping, eating out and quick meal preparation for today’s busy lifestyle.