Kids R FunJudy and the Kids

Recommendations from the New Hampshire Childhood Obesity Expert Panel

Preventing Childhood Obesity: Promoting physical activity & healthy eating

* Ban sugary drinks. Studies show that the risk of childhood obesity soars as sweetened soft drink consumption goes up limit fruit juice to 1 cup a day.
* Restrict fast food consumption to no more than once a week; less is better.
* Forget low-fat diets and fat-free foods. Fats actually suppress blood sugar surges and are filling, so kids need to eat some fat to feel full. "Throwaway the fat-free dressings:' Ludwig says. "Give your kids peanut butter on whole-grain toast for breakfast, avocado dips as an afternoon snack and broccoli sautéed in olive oil for dinner:" Avoid harmful trans fats (in many processed foods and baked goods), and don't overindulge in saturated animal fats.
* Give kids small portions on small plates. Studies show that everyone is likely to eat more when given large portions.
* Be in charge of what you offer your kids to eat at home. If your children reject something, do not offer alternatives. The kids will not starve.
* Don't keep junk food in the house. Good snacks: nuts; whole or dried fruit.
* Don't watch TV during meals. It leads to inactivity and overeating.

In 2004, nine million kids over the age of six where obese. During the past 30 years, obesity has more then doubled among preschoolers two to five years old and teens twelve to nineteen years of age. Among kids six to eleven, obesity rates have tripled.

To combat this alarming trend, the Institute of Medicine recommends nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods, smaller portion sizes, and increases physical activity for American youngsters. cell: (603) 833-0978 - e-mail: pr4u@metrocast.net. National consumer group Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) lists blueberries, brown rice, salad greens, squash and sweet potatoes, grape tomatoes, watermelon, and whole-grain crackers among their best food picks.