spring2018

looking forward to trying something healthy or
leaving it untouched. If kitchen assistance proves
unsuccessful, ask for your kid’s suggestions when
planning meals to get them involved. Give them
multiple healthy options to increase the chances
something will sound good.
Shun the soda. Kids love soda (and other
super-sugary drinks), and it’s everywhere in
every conceivable flavor. But lots of research has
linked high-sugar beverages (including juices) to
weight gain in children, which is not remarkable
considering a typical 20-ounce soda contains 15
to 18 teaspoons of sugar and about 230 calories.
The same amount of an average orange juice,
while packed with vitamin C, contains more than
250 calories and 11 teaspoons of sugar. Urge kids
to drink more water and other healthier drinks
such as milk, sugar-free juice, and unsweetened
(or naturally sweetened) iced tea. For older kids
who drink more than one or two sodas a day,
insist they drink something healthier with meals.
Lead by example. Kids, often younger ones,
frequently follow in their parents’ footsteps
when it comes to habits and tendencies. Dietary
patterns are no different. Encouraging them
to eat vegetables and cut back on sweets will
probably ring hollow if you drink a lot of soda
and often grab a doughnut for breakfast. Assess
your eating habits honestly and work on healthy
changes for the better to provide your child or
teen with a dietary role model.
Always consult your pediatrician or doctor before
putting your child on a weight-loss diet, trying
to help them gain weight, or making any drastic
changes in the types of foods your child eats.
Don’t diagnose your child as too heavy or too
thin by yourself. To verify that a doctor’s state
license is in good standing, visit the Medical Board
of California’s website at www.mbc.ca.gov.
Remember, patience and persistence are keys to
lasting lifestyle changes—they will likely take time
as well as effort.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture: www.usda.gov
California Department of Food and Agriculture:
www.cdfa.ca.gov
World Obesity Federation: www.worldobesity.org
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