Preventing Childhood Obesity – By june saxton What Parents Can Do

Give Them a Good Start 1. Breastfeed 2. Introduce them to a wide variety of foods (Beauchamp & Mennella, 2009) & (Birch & Ventura, 2009) References: Beauchamp, G. K. & Mennella, J . A. (2009). Early Flavor Learning and Its Impact on Later Feeding Behavior. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, DOI:.1097/MPG.0b013e31819774a5 Birch, L. L., & Ventura, A. K. (2009). Preventing childhood obesity: what works? International Journal of Obesity, 33S74-S81. DOI:10.1038/ijo.2009.22

Limit Fast Food When it is allowed as a special treat: 1. Child sized portions 2. Healthy sides 3. Low or non-fat milk (no sodas!) 4. Skip the mayo 5. Choose a whole wheat bun if available 6. Grilled chicken instead of a burger is a better choice. (AHA, 2011) Reference: Make Fast Food Friendlier. (2010). American Heart Association, Retrieved May 28, 2011 from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/HowtoMakeaHealthyHome/Make-Fast-Food-Friendlier_UCM_303806_Article.jsp

Use grocery shopping & food advertising as a Teaching Tool 1. Read food labels together 2. Involve them in picking healthy food 3. Discuss the advertising with them and help them distinguish between healthy and unhealthy food. (AHA, 2011) Reference:  Help Kids Develop Healthy Eating Habits. (2011). American Heart Association, Retrieved May 28, 2011 from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/HowtoMakeaHealthyHome/Help-Children-Develop-Healthy-Habits_UCM_303805_Article.jsp

Have Family Meal Times & Cook Together 1. Kids who eat with their parents are more likely to eat healthy. 2. Involving kids in the cooking process helps them develop a healthy relationship with food. (Hammons & Fiese, 2010) & (What is Yum-o, n.d.) References: Hammons, A. J. & Fiese, B. H. (2011). Is the Frequency of Family Meal Times Related to the Nutritional Health of Children and Adolescents? Pediatrics, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-1440 Retrieved May 28, 2011 from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2011/04/27/peds.2010-1440.full.pdf Rachael Ray (n.d.), What is Yum-o? Retrieved May 28, 2011 from http://www.yum-o.org/what_is.php

Take control of what your child eats at school Unite with other parents to let the school district know that you are concerned about school lunches. 2. Encourage them to teach healthy eating in the classroom. (Jalonick, 2011). Reference: Jalonick, M .C. (January 12, 2011). New Guidelines would make school lunches healthier. Health News, Retrieved May 31, 2011 from http://www.kmov.com/news/health/New-guidelines-would-make-school-lunches-healthier-113424079.html

Use the USDA’s NEW MY Plate Make ½ the plate fruits & vegetables ¼ the plate whole grains ¼ the plate lean protein (USDA, 2011) Reference: Choose My Plate.gov. (May 31, 2011).United States Department of Agriculture,  Retrieved June 3, 2011 from http://www.choosemyplate.gov/index.html.

Make sure that they get exercise daily. 1. Limit media time. 2. Encourage them to play outdoors. 3. Get them involved in sports. . (Birch et al., 2009) Reference: Birch, L. L., & Ventura, A. K. (2009). Preventing childhood obesity: what works? International Journal of Obesity, 33S74-S81. DOI:10.1038/ijo.2009.22