Portion-Sized not Super-Sized
12-year-old Marshall Reid has taken matters into his own hands and is motivating his family to eat right and exercise. Please enjoy this engaging account of how a child can show the way for so many others.
In theory, losing weight should be straightforward: eat healthier, subtract quantity, add exercise. In the real world, though, where each family member can have a different relationship with food, that equation can be far more complicated.
A Child Offers Plan on Portion Control for Dieters – NYTimes.com.
How can we empower children in the Caribbean to eat healthy and slow the alarming rates of high-blood pressure and diabetes that is literally killing our nations?
Learn MoreNew research shows black American children at HIGHEST risk of being overweight
In particular, children and teens who currently have higher obesity rates would require larger energy gap reductions [more dietary restriction and more exercise] to reach the obesity rate goal. For instance, based on their current obesity rates, white youths would need a 46-calorie reduction, on average, in their energy gap to reach the goals. But given their higher obesity rates in 2008-2010, the average reduction needed to close the energy gap for Mexican-American youths is 91 calories and, for black youths, it is 138 calories. Youths in lower-income communities also need greater reductions than their peers in higher-income areas, again due to higher rates of obesity. Additionally, an earlier study by several of the same researchers found that the problem is especially acute for teens who are already overweight.
The solutions are the same: it take time more than money, to make lifestyle changes.
Learn MoreThe authors outline several policy strategies that could help to close the daily energy gap for American youths. For instance, they point to research showing that:
- replacing all sugar-sweetened beverages in school with water and not consuming any additional sugary beverages outside of school could reduce the energy gap by 12 calories per day;
- participating in a comprehensive physical education program could eliminate 19 calories per day among children ages 9-11; and
- engaging in an after-school activity program for children in grades K-5 results in an additional 25 calories expended per day.
Parents influence whether children eat fruits, vegetables
Most children learn to like and eat vegetables before age 5 years.
Most children learn their eating habits directly from their parents plate.
NOW is the time.
A few important tips:
1) Children who SEE their parents eating fruits and vegetables are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables.
2) If you dont buy sodas and sugar drinks, there will be none available!
This sounds simple, but it is is a common area of weakness.
3) Make each fruit and vegetable FUN: What’s the colour? Is it cooked or raw.
See which style of preparation your child prefers and encourage them to experiment.
4) Make each plate colourful.
Learn MoreSports Drinks and Healthy Hydration
Sports drinks, fruit drinks, soda and any other sugar-laced drink will never be good for children. Its just not nutrition.
Kids and Sports Drinks: Healthy Hydration or Soda Incognito?
Sports drinks may seem like a healthier kid’s beverage than soda and other sugary beverages, but that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, last week a bill sponsored by the California Medical Association was proposed that would ban the sale of all sports drinks, including Gatorade and Powerade, in middle school and high school cafeterias. Sports drinks are already banned in California elementary schools. The bill would act as an amendment to the existing code that bans the sale of soda in schools.
http://breakingmuscle.com/nutrition/kids-and-sports-drinks-healthy-hydration-or-soda-incognito
Our Food is Making us Sick
Have you ever wondered why some many children today are allergic to “every little thing”?
This video will open your eyes to WHY food allergies are on the rise. What are you feeding your children? Is it real food? Do you know HOW every day products on supermarket shelves could be making them sick?
Robyn O’Brien speaks clear and strong about Food Allergies and Genetically Modified Food
Interesting informative Ted X discussion on genetic engineering, food allergies and more
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWXrRftyOMY&w=560&h=315]
REAL FOOD, IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?
Learn MoreBeyoncé Breastfeeds in Public: Yes, This Actually Matters
Beyoncé Breastfeeds in Public: Yes, This Actually Matters
A mega-star gives support to “Lactivists” everywhere. Beyonce’s actions spoke a thousand words! Breast feeding is healthy, normal and still happening all over the world.
The Breast is Best!
Have you every had any issue breastfeeding in the Caribbean?
Learn MoreTime to Unplug the TV!
One study found that children who spent more than eight hours watching TV each week at age 3 were more likely to be obese at age 7. Having a TV in their bedroom ups their chances of being overweight even more, says Amy Jamieson-Petonic, RD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
These guidelines will help your family maintain just the right amount of screen time.
- Limit TV and other media to less than two hours per day for kids age 2 and older. Do not allow television viewing for children less than 2 years of age, according to recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Keep TV out of the bedrooms.
- With the exception of an occasional family movie and pizza night, keep television sets off while eating.
- Sit down with your kids to help them select the specific TV shows they’ll watch, giving them some control and helping them make decisions. Watch with them when you can.
“Sweets” Ban at School Parties
“Sweets” Ban at School Parties
When FRUIT is served with cake and other sugary sweets, the amount of calories children consume actually falls by 100-200 calories per child!
Could this type of restrictive guideline work in Caribbean schools?
Learn MoreThe study shows that kids can eat as many as one-third of all the calories they need in a day at a typical half-hour birthday party.
And those calories are coming from foods high in fat and sugar and low in nutrients — such as cake, fruit punch, ice cream, and chips.