Extension
Connection
Extension
Connection
Eat
Well for Your Children and Yourself
By
Janet Hackert, Nutrition Specialist
Being
overweight or obese is fast becoming a serious health concern in this country.
In a survey by the American Obesity Association, almost 1 in 3 parents said they
were somewhat to very concerned about their children’s weight. About 1 in 4
parents thought their children ate less nutritionally compared to how they ate
when they were children. If you’re concerned about your won weight or about a
child in your life’s weight, here are some tips that may help.
Serve the same healthy
foods for all members of the family so as not to ostracize the one whose weight
is of particular concern. After all, unless there’s a medical concern,
what’s healthy for one is healthy for all.
Create a calm, planned
environment for mealtimes. A rushed, hectic meal doesn’t give children (or
adults) time to recognize when they are full and so know when to stop eating.
Choose beverages that provide needed nutrients. Water is refreshing, inexpensive and provides what our bodies need for many important functions. Milk or 100% fruit juices give us calcium and Vitamin D or Vitamins C and A. Pop on the other hand has empty calories. For example, drinking 3-12 ounce cans of pop a day means slugging down a full CUP of sugar with no other nutrients.
Perhaps most importantly,
model the behavior you desire from your child. Find vegetables, fruits and whole
grains that are prepared without a lot of added fat and sugar and share them
with your children. Show them how delicious healthy eating can be and enjoy it
yourself.
((Written September 26, 2003)
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Extension Connection Barb Ubben, Web Manager harrisonco@missouri.edu Last revised: 05/25/04 |