BRONX, N.Y.—America’s struggle with weight has reached epidemic proportions, and childhood obesity is a growing concern for healthcare provider, children and parents. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, the prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008.
Keith-Thomas Ayoob, Ed.D., R.D., associate clinical professor of pediatrics and director of the nutrition clinic at the Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University outlined seven simple tips parents can use to help their children foster a healthy relationship with food during and after school.
As reported by Newswise, he advises parents to review school lunch menus; send lunch replacements or supplements; find out when their child eats lunch; involve kids in making lunch; provide a good breakfast; restrict kids’ funds; and set a good example at home but pick your battles.
“The best way to encourage your kids to establish good eating habits is to ‘walk the talk’. It’s important to offer rounded meals and keep healthy snacks in the house and eat them yourself,” he said. “That being said, kids are going to want foods that you don’t think are best for them and making some compromises is perfectly acceptable. For little kids, if they eat chicken nuggets instead of a baked, skinless chicken breast, balance it by having fresh fruit and milk with the meal. If your teenage daughter will drink low-fat chocolate milk, acknowledge that it’s a way for her to get the calcium, protein and vitamins she needs—benefits she won’t get from drinking a soda or sports drink.”
