Children and Families

Childhood obesity is a major problem and is receiving significant attention as related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes are growing among this population.

There is no doubt that our children are our future, and as the protectors of our children we want to ensure they grow up to be happy and healthy adults. With childhood obesity on the rise due to poor eating habits and a lack of exercise, it's time to make some changes and there is no better time to establish healthy eating guidelines.

Here are some healthy tips to help your family get started:

• Work fruits and vegetables into the daily routine, aiming for the goal of 5 to 7 servings a day.
• Make it easy for your child to choose healthy snacks by keeping fruits and vegetables on hand and ready to eat. Other good snacks include yogurt, peanut butter and celery, or whole-grain crackers and cheese.
• Serve lean meats and other good sources of protein, such as eggs soy foods and nuts.
• Choose whole-grain breads and cereals so your child gets more fiber.
• Limit fat intake by avoiding deep-fried foods and choosing healthier cooking methods, such as broiling, grilling, roasting, stir-frying and steaming tofu over beef.
• Limit fast food and other low-nutrient snacks, such as chips and candy. But don't completely ban favorite snacks from your home. Instead, make them "once-in-a-while" foods, so your child doesn't feel deprived.
• Limit sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit-flavored drinks. Serve water, milk or Soy Beverage instead.
• Eat dinner as a family! Families that eat meals together are more likely to eat healthy

For more helpful information about raising healthy kids, visit: Kids Health