Released July 14, 2008
STILLWATER, Okla. – A parent’s good eating habits are transferred to the rest of the family. Therefore, making savvy decisions will put your family on the healthy track of eating.
According to research from the Harvard Medical School and the Children’s Hospital Boston, children 8 to 15 years old who are in the upper half of what is considered to be the “normal” weight range are more likely to become overweight or obese adults.
Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service nutrition education specialist, said parents should start by bringing healthy food into the family setting, but also let the child know they are responsible for the right decisions in other settings.
“Healthy teens and adults start at a young age,” Hermann said. “Letting kids be responsible for their food choices will help them make the right decisions when they are not at home.”
If bad snacks are around, that is what will get eaten. Stocking up on smart snacks is key.
Hermann said keeping healthy snacks on hand is a good idea, but make them accessible and appealing to kids.
“It is also important to set limits with snacks,” she said. “Don’t make junk food ‘forbidden’ but make it a treat in limited quantities, eat only when hungry and limit where they can be eaten. For instance, snacks can’t be eaten in the car or in front of the computer.”
Be sure to pay attention to portion sizes as well, since they are often overestimated. When a child asks for more food, give it to them, Hermann said.
“I’s better to start with less to ensure your child will only eat when they are hungry and not just because something is on their plate,” she said.
Rituals and routines in family mealtimes help in establishing identity and are good for mental health too, according to a study from Syracuse University.
“Be sure your children are observing your good food behavior with family meal times and healthy choices,” Hermann said. “Setting good examples will influence what you do, not what you tell your children.”
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http://www2.dasnr.okstate.edu/Members/katie.reim-40okstate.edu/growing-healthy-eaters
Contact: Katie Reim, 405-744-6792, katie.reim@okstate.edu
