Do’s
…
1. Be a positive role model by eating well, exercising and
focusing on good health.
2. Take children along when grocery shopping and let them pick
out produce they like.
Do’s…
1. Be a positive role model by eating well, exercising and focusing on good health.
2. Take children along when grocery shopping and let them pick out produce they like.
3. Participate in family physical activities on a regular basis – walk the dog together, go on hikes and bike rides.
4. Take advantage of conveniences, such as pre-cut fruits and
veggies, bagged and washed lettuce.
5. Make sure kids drink plenty of water in the place of sodas and other sugary drinks.
6. Let children indulge in sports drinks after exercising, not while
sitting in front of the television.
7. Plan meals and be aware of what children are eating – instead of leaving $5 to buy lunch, make a lunch and have it ready.
8. Help kids set exercise goals, and then help them achieve them. Sixty minutes of exercise is recommended for children each day, 30 minutes for adults.
9. Try to have quality family mealtimes as often as possible.
10. Keep foods that promote good health on hand at home, such as fruits, vegetables, low-sugar cereals and low-fat, calcium-rich dairy products.
11. Support your child’s participation in organized physical activities or sports.
12. Limit the amount of time your child sends watching
television, playing video games and working at the computer.
…and don’ts
1. Don’t well on your weight or your child’s.
2. Don’t tie love or approval to body size or shape.
3. Don’t rule out foods, such as sweets.
Restrictive dieting can set children up for eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
Sources:
Jacqueline Thompson, MS, RD; Carol Berg Sloan, RD; and adapted from “Childhood and Adolescent Obesity in America: What’s a Parent to Do?” by Betty Holmes, MS, RD.
