Obesity is a serious problem for kids, leading to chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high-blood pressure and high cholesterol, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The 2007 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that 17 percent of kids in the United States were obese. Kids need to learn how to eat better to decrease their risk of obesity. A good diet for kids should be balanced and include a variety of foods to support their continued growth and development.
MyPyramid Plan For Kids
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid is a food guide you can use to help your kids eat better. The guidelines are based on the most up-to-date scientific data linking health and nutrition. The MyPyramid plan provides you with specific recommendations on what your kids need to eat from each food group each day. It also offers tips on healthy meal preparation. The MyPyramid plan also stresses the importance of physical activity and offers suggestions on how you and your kids can become more active.
Go, Slow and Whoa
Go, Slow and Whoa is a tool you can use to teach your kids how to make healthy food choices. The plan divides foods into three groups. The Go group includes low-calorie foods kids can eat without restraint. Go foods include skim milk, fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads. The Slow group includes higher-calorie foods kids should eat only a few times a week, according to the Nemours Foundation. Examples of Slow foods include white bread, fruit juice and 2 percent milk. The Whoa foods are the least healthy and when eaten too often can lead to weight gain. Whoa foods should only be eaten once in awhile, says Nemours. Examples of Whoa foods include french fries, chicken nuggets and doughnuts.
Shapedown
Shapedown is a group-based weight management program. It was designed by faculty at the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco. The plan is a 10-week program run by trained professionals. The program encourages the whole family to be involved, because kids who have the support of their families have greater success at weight loss, according to the website. At each two-hour meeting, you and your kids learn how to be more active and make better food choices. The program also builds your kids' self esteem and body image while teaching you how to set better limits.
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