About The Buzz: Eating Habits Your Kids Learn Now … STICK!

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
The diet trends that children are exposed to at a young age, may they be healthy or not healthy, stay with them far into adulthood.

WHAT WE KNOW

Childhood obesity or excess weight on children threatens the health of one-third the population of American children. The childhood obesity rate has tripled over the past 30 years. This downward spiral could lead to life expectancies much less than our parents. This is an epidemic that can be changed by simple decisions and habits learned early in life.

The most influence on a child’s nutritional choices comes from her/his parents and guardians, as they play a key role in making healthy choices because the earliest decisions regarding food and physical activity occur in the home. This is a crucial time to instill the values of making healthy decisions. Children learn from observing the choices adults make. So if a child sees a parent enjoying a nutritious meal, they are most likely to do the same. This is a time to train their taste buds to learn to enjoy fruits and vegetables and to stay away from processed sweets!

HOW DO WE KNOW THIS?

Research has shown how difficult it is to change eating habits later in life. Once a person’s taste buds become accustomed to certain foods it’s hard, though possible, to change. Studies have shown that children who learn about proper nutrition and the reasoning behind healthy choices are less likely to be overweight in adulthood. Many people don’t realize that their food choices in the first 40 to 50 years of life can make a great difference in decreasing their risk for heart attacks, diabetes, and other problems related with being overweight and obese. So starting early is the key to preventing a sedentary lifestyle with unhealthy food choices.

OUR ADVICE

Be a role model for your children and give them the tools necessary to decrease their risk of developing weight-related diseases. One of the best things you can do is to make eating fruits and vegetables part of your daily balanced diet. Then … help your kids learn about nutrition. Learning at an early age is important and can be fun, and one of the best ways to learn … is by doing.

Getting kids involved in meal preparation enhances their interest and increases the chance that they’ll at least try what the help to prepare. Our kid-friendy recipes will stir up some fun while teaching your children science, math, culture, and healthy eating habits. Also, direct your kids to our Kids’ Website for games and other fun ways to learn about and enjoy your fruits and vegetables. And for you? Sign up for our Newsletter and get monthly recipes, nutrition facts, and other tools to keep your family happy and healthy.