Mar 6, 2019
“The rich vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in fresh fruits and veggies are the building blocks of a healthy childhood diet.”
- Dr. Rachael Bilello (5:48 -
6:01)
Lori
Taylor
The Produce Moms
Childhood obesity is a growing issue in the United States.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), almost 90% of children in America are getting less than the recommended five servings of fresh of fruits and vegetables per day. Moreover, around half of all food consumed by children is processed, unhealthy snack food.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are
the foundations of a healthy diet at any age, but are an integral
component for children. They provide multiple vitamins and minerals
that are essential for their development and are a good source of
fiber which promotes better gastrointestinal health. Consuming an
adequate amount of fruits and veggies fights childhood obesity, and
it puts children on the path to a happy and healthy
life.
“Data shows that in America, the most food-secure nation in the world, close to 90% of all children are not getting the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables.” - Lori Taylor (7:38 - 7:58)
The higher consumption of processed foods, coupled with the lack of fruits and veggies, has led to a childhood obesity crisis in America. It is estimated that one in five kids are now obese in this country. That’s around thirteen million children between the ages of 2-19. It is a significant problem, and parents, pediatricians, and school nutritionists across the country are looking for solutions to counter these disturbing trends. While the task may seem daunting, adopting relatively simple habits at home can go a long way in improving the health of our children.
How to promote a healthy lifestyle for your children.
When promoting a healthy lifestyle with children, it’s important to keep in mind that we are holistic beings. This encapsulates much more than our diet. Adequate fruits and vegetables are a fundamental component, but a healthy lifestyle also incorporates habits like exercise and quality rest.
Your child is never too young to
start incorporating healthy habits that will stick with them
throughout the rest of their life. There are simple things you can
do to help your child make better choices.
Infants.
Breastfeeding has been associated
with a lower risk of obesity in childhood and adolescence. The
positive correlation has even been shown, at times, to reach well
into adulthood. It has also been known to help with immune function
and improve gastrointestinal health.
Toddlers.
At the 4-6 months stage, as you
introduce solids, include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables
in your child’s diet. This can be a difficult stage, with food
preferences, and sensitivity to textures. If they are reluctant,
find creative ways to help them get their recommended amount. For
example, try parboiling carrots if for a toddler who doesn’t want
to eat them raw.
School-Aged
Children. Help children
make healthy choices at school by looking through the menu
beforehand and pre-selecting the fruits and veggies they could
order for lunch. Helping your child understand healthy choices
beforehand can help them be more likely to order a turkey salad or
an orange instead of those greasy nachos. It is also helpful to
make sure your children eat breakfast. Those rushed mornings can
make it feel impossible to make breakfast and get to school and
work on time. However, even something small, like a fruit or a
whole grain toast with peanut butter, can prevent children from
being overly hungry at lunchtime and overeating, or making
unhealthy food choices.
At home, family meals are a great time to
connect with your kids and to set an example of healthy food
choices. Plan to include plenty of fresh vegetables, lean
proteins, and whole grains at the dinner table. Your children will
follow your lead, and if you aren't eating your veggies, they
aren’t going to either.
“Your kids are not going to eat vegetables if you're not eating them. Set a positive example. Kids watch us, and they do what we do.”
- Dr. Rachael Bilello (13:02 - 13:12)
Health and nutrition is a lifelong journey. It’s never too late to start promoting a healthy lifestyle! Start with some small choices this week to incorporate healthy choices in your family. Those little things are sure to grow into big change in nutrition, lifestyle, and health.
How to get involved
- Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
- Reach out to us - we’d love to hear more about where you’re at in life and business! Find out more at on our website.
- Connect with Dr. Rachael Bilello on her blog, Instagram, and Twitter. If you’re close to Long Island, NY you can contact her at her private practice.
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