Going Back To School: Learn About Eating Healthy

School age children are in a great position to pick up new habits related to what they eat, for better or for worse. So at this young age, if they are exposed to healthy dietary habits, they are more prone to carry those habits on into adulthood. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a new food pyramid guide, and you should familiarize yourself with how these changes might potentially help you and your family establish a healthy diet. The new chart recognizes that each individual’s body is different, and allows for you to guide your portions accordingly. Additionally, the KidsHealth website has compiled articles, games, and even recipes that parents and kids can explore together for ideas to lead healthier life. Here are a few tips that you can share with your kids to help encourage a healthy lifestyle early on.

• Eat a variety of foods. Doctors go back and forth on which foods are particularly healthy, but they generally agree that the healthiest thing to do is to eat a varied and balanced diet.
• Drink water and milk most often. Growing kids need lots of calcium and milk is a great source. 100% Juice is good too, but try to limit juice cocktails and sodas. Remember that the added sugar just add calories and not nutrients.
• Listen to your body. Learn to eat until your body feels full but still comfortable, and not any more. Eating too much over time can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
• Limit screen time. Any time you spend in front of a TV or computer is time you are not exercising. Try to keep screen time down to a couple of hours.
• Be active. Not all kids necessarily enjoy playing soccer or dancing, but find out which activities you enjoy most and do them often. Maybe it’s basketball or riding a bike or skateboard. These can all be fun alternatives to sitting inside watching TV.

Parents are a key element in keeping kids healthy. Working together to help develop these good habits in kids is critical. The USDA has some interactive tools on their website, including the MyPyramid Plan to help your family learn about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle with exercise and a balanced diet. Check out the KidsHealth website for more tips you can share with your kids about their health.