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Trimming the Fat
by Tammy Vaughn, Director of Early
Childhood, Children's Hunger Alliance
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Originally published in the February, 2005 Columbus Parent Magazine.
Reprinted by permission.
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DAYTON - Everything we need to know about food and nutrition we learn in kindergarten...
and then we forget all about it. Or so it my seem. According to the Kellogg Company, almost 75 percent of surveyed
elementary school students considered nutrition to be "very important," compared to 50 percent of middle
school students and only 33 percent of high school students.
Factor in the absence of value placed on exercise and physical activity - thank you television
and video games - and we have a recipe for obesity.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends limited fat intake to 30 percent and saturated fat
intake to less than 10 percent of the daily calories for children ages 5 and up.
Adults aren't the only ones who should be trimming the fat. Childhood obesity is nearing epidemic
proportions in the United States. Although many professionals and organizations are working to identify obesity
prevention strategies, parents must also work to protect their children's health and nutrition.
By teaching children good nutrition habits early, we help build strong bodies and strong minds.
Research shows us that children who eat a nutritious breakfast perform better in school. And good health and nutrition
habits begin at home. Parents, you are the most influential role model in your child's lives. Help them learn and
understand good nutrition and health by example.
The American Dietetic Association Foundation reported that older children eat more often than younger
children. Two reasons older children gave for eating were boredom and it's something to do with friends. Why is
this a problem? The World Health Organization helps us understand.
Adolescence is a time of intense physical, psychological and cognitive development. Adolescents
gain up to 50 percent of their adult weight, over 20 percent of their adult height, and over 50 percent of their
adult skeletal mass during this period. Proper diet and exercise are crucial to this time of growth and development.
Without proper diet and exercise, adolescents are at risk for obesity and many nutrient deficiencies
that will ultimately have an adverse affect on their health and well-being. You can help by encouraging your adolescent
to make good, nutritious choices and add exercise into their daily routine.
There are nutritional mandates and guidelines that keep us on course in schools and most care settings,
but making healthy choices at home can be a challenge. Set limitations on eating and entertainment habits, and
be consistent in enforcing the limitations. Be a good role model when it comes to nutrition and exercise.
Get the entire family involved in menu planning, and allow the children to be an integral part
of the food preparation and cooking. Encourage reading, and add books on nutrition to the family library. In exchange
for the remote, throw a mitt on their hand and head to the backyard for a game of catch.
Final food for thought: Preparing healthy foods and exercising takes little time - once you get
into a rhythm - and is a very cost-effective way to manage your family's health.
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BOOKSHELF
- Cooking Up U.S. History: Recipes and Research to Share with Children by Suzanne I. Barchers
and Patricia C. Marden
- The Edible Pyramid: Good Eating Every Day by Loreen Leedy
- Everybody Cooks Rice by Norah Dooley
- Foods: Feasts, Cooks, and Kitchens by Richard Tames
- How My Family Lives in America by Susan Kuklin
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ON THE WEB
To find nutrition information online, visit:
www.kidsnutrition.org
www.parentsplace.com
www.dole5aday.com
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