guide to healthy foods for a healthier child

This month is national childhood obesity awareness month and there is a lot of focus on how to help overweight children.  But the fact is that most of our children, over 85% don't eat the recommended amounts of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables that they need.

Here are some general healthy eating habits that all children need

All children need a healthy breakfast.  This is not the place to cut calories because children are growing and need nutrition and fuel to start their day.  If you think about it, their body has not had fuel since the day before.  So to help all kids, including overweight children, stay healthy, start them off with a balanced healthy breakfast.

Most children don't get enough fiber.  Fiber is so important for a healthy digestive system and heart.  It also helps children stay fuller longer.

Avoid sugary foods.  They give quick energy but that is about it.  Instead look for whole grains foods like whole wheat bread, brown rice to give them the energy they need.  Plus, they foods are higher in fiber!

Sadly, most kids don't get enough fruits and vegetables.  Find fruits and vegetables they enjoy.  Kids like crispy crunchy foods, try some veggie sticks with a low fat dip.  You can also mix veggies in with other foods they like - for example beans, pasta sauces and mashed potatoes.  Be creative!

Give them water to drink and avoid the sports drinks, fruit flavored drinks and soda.  They are just full of sugar and calories.

Sugar In Kids’ Fruit Juices Articles

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More Healthy Tracking Pages (Spanish)

Free Healthy Kids’ Nutrition Printables

Is My Child Overweight Article Resources and suggestions to promote healthy habits.

Should I Put My Child On A Diet Article Dietitians advice on dieting and the overweight child.

Understanding Childhood Obesity Related Conditions Article Implications of childhood obesity related conditions.

Understanding the BMI For Children Article What is BMI and how it is used to determine your child is at a healthy weight.

F is for fat report released – rate of childhood obesity in your state

F is for fat report released – trends for childhood obesity revealed