More than 25 percent of American children are overweight, according to the dietitian website RD411. This is because children today have high calorie intakes and do not get enough physical activity, continues RD411. Children between the ages of 8 and 13 are highly influenced by their parents and caregiver, making 11 the perfect age to start learning good eating habits. A good diet for 11-year-old kids should include a variety of healthy foods and regular physical activity.
WE CAN
WE CAN, or Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition, is designed for kids 8 to 13. It is a national governmental program created by the National Institutes of Health. The goal of WE CAN is to provide health-based information to parents and caregivers to help them and their children get to a healthier weight. The plan includes learning about healthy weights, how to shop for healthy foods and tips on how to be more active. WE CAN also provides sample meals and tips on how to cook healthy. Parents obtain information from the website or they can join a community program. Community programs can be found through the WE CAN website.
Shapedown
Shapedown is a hands-on family-based weight loss program. It requires a 10-week commitment from both the 11-year-old kids and their parents. Kids and their parents meet with Shapedown trained professionals in a group setting to learn how to get to a healthier weight by increasing physical activity and eating a healthy diet. The diet plan for 11-year-olds following the Shapedown program is not restrictive, and the kids do not feel deprived. The goal of the program is to teach kids healthy habits that will continue into adulthood. The program also works on building self-esteem and improving body image.
The Stoplight Diet
The Stoplight Diet was created by Dr. Leonard Epstein, a University of Buffalo researcher. The program encourages kids to work with their parents to change what they eat and how they eat, according to National Public Radio. On the Stoplight Diet, foods are grouped together based on the traffic light symbols. Foods in the green group mean go-ahead and include low-calorie choices such as fruits and vegetables. Foods in the yellow group mean eat with caution and include foods such as starches, lean meats and low-fat dairy foods. Foods in the red group mean stop, kids should limit their intake of these foods because of their high nutritional content, according to NPR. The plan discouraged television time and encourages more physical activity.
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