Health and Nutrition

Getting a Head Start on Healthy Habits

Overweight and obesity in children has become a major national health issue. In recognition of this, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a policy statement on the "Prevention of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity." AAP emphasizes prevention and suggests that the best approach to preventing overweight and obesity is to take a look at both nutrition and physical activity.

Isabel Maples, a registered dietitian with Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and mother of three, helps bring this policy statement to life by offering the following practical tips for parents.

Nourishing Family Traditions

  • Kick-start the day with a balanced breakfast - Include foods from at least three different food groups, such as an omelet with Cheddar cheese and diced vegetables, or cereal with milk and fresh fruit.
  • Snack smart - Stock the fridge with healthy, nutritious grab-and-go snacks like string cheese, portable yogurts and single-serve containers of milk.
  • Eat together - Family mealtime is a great time to model healthy eating behavior and to make sure your kids eat a balanced meal.
  • Don't skip the milk - Recent research finds that children who included calcium from dairy foods in their diet had lower body fat than children with lower dairy calcium intakes.
  • Be a good role model - Children ages 8 to 17 rank mom above sports celebrities, actors and actresses and musicians as the most important influencer of their behavior. So set a good example and drink your milk, too.

Exercising Your Togetherness

  • Get out and move - Don't just tell your children to go out and play, go out and play with them. Make activity fun - play tag, ride a bike, walk the dog.
  • Go along for the ride - Take a walk together after school or after dinner. It's a great way to spend some time together and share your day.
  • Sky's the limit - But not on time spent in front of the TV or computer. Children who watch TV for as few as two to five hours per week increase their chance of being overweight.
  • Party actively - Schedule birthday parties and events at parks, skating rinks and other activity-oriented places. That way, children will learn that physical activity can be a fun part of celebrations.