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Duo driven to keep kids physically fit
The idea was hatched while most in Lansing were probably still dreaming.
Read more on Lansing State Journal
Interestingly, this blog is all about diets but we have yet to discuss diet foods here (as in, reduced calorie foods). Although I am all for calorie reduction when it comes to achieving ones ideal weight, I have always steered clear of low-calorie versions of higher calorie foods, especially for youngsters and now, there’s a clearer reason why. A recent study which tested low-calorie versions of foods on young rats, who were induced to overeat whether they were lean or obese, has shown that low-calorie versions of usually high-calorie foods disrupt the body’s ability to use taste to regulate calorific intake. They found that young rats given low-calorie foods began to overeat during their regular meals. The lead researcher said that this gives us a clue as to the effect of these foods on children and said that it is better for children to eat healthy, well-balanced diets with sufficient calories for their daily activities rather than low-calorie snacks or meals.
Interestingly, older adolescent rats also fed diet foods did not show the same tendency to overeat, because they, unlike the younger rats, were able to rely on a variety of taste-related cues to correctly assess the caloric value of their food. It seems the younger animals learned to match tastes usually associated with food high in calories with low-fat alternatives, and continued eating to try to get their calorie count up when it had already reached a healthy level. The researcher found that these findings emphasized the importance of promoting a balanced diet and exercise as the best ways to keep children fit and healthy as opposed to giving them diet foods to eat, which are probably not a good idea for growing youngsters. This study is yet another that reinforces the need to teach children healthy eating habits from early in life.
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2,270-calorie mac & cheese meal is worst for kids
The authors of “Eat This, Not That!” have singled out five of the most disgusting kids’ meals in America.
Read more on MSNBC
Clip from Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe (BBC4).
One of the major health concerns in today’s society is the problem of obesity which affects children as well as adults. While some people’s weight is controlled by medical or genetic conditions, most cases of obesity are just a matter of poor diet and exercise habits. As a parent, there are a few simple things that you can do to improve your child’s chances against developing a weight problem.
Diet is a major factor in childhood obesity. Between snack foods and fast food restaurants, we are a society that eats on the run. Teaching your child good eating habits can save them a lot of heartache later on. You can start by buying healthier food at the grocery store. Replace potato chips with fresh fruits or replace your soda with fruit juice. If these healthier items are the only snacks in the house, your children may complain about them but they will eventually eat them.
Fast food restaurants are also an easy place for your children to eat food that contains too much fat and calories. These businesses have acknowledged the problem of childhood obesity and many now offer healthy alternatives to their regular menu. So instead of French fries, you can purchase your child a fruit treat or flavored yogurt. While the child may still want the French fries, you need just to remember that you are the parent and you should stand firm on any decisions that you make dealing with your child’s fast food choices.
Until a few years ago, schools were also guilty of serving children fattening foods. Many school vending machines included everything from candy to corn chips. While many schools have replaced these vending machine items with healthier snacks such as peanuts and low fat potato chips, some others have not. You may want to check with your child’s school to determine what kind of foods that your child can purchase. If your school still carries the traditional snacks, you may be able to discuss the matter with the school administrator to have these unhealthy food items replaced. Most schools are more than happy to comply with this request.
Another factor that causes childhood obesity is the lack of exercise. With the invention of home video games, some children never get off the couch for hours at a time. You should try to limit the amount of time that your child is allowed to play these games. If he argues about it, just remove the games completely until he has agreed to your terms. In the spare time that the child now has, encourage him to go outside and get some fresh air and exercise.
The best way to teach your children good eating and exercising habits is by example. You need to be willing to eat healthier yourself and in reality most of us could use more exercise. If your child sees that you are eating those vegetables and that you are exercising every day, he may be encouraged to join you.
Eating right and getting enough exercise is all a matter of choice. Making wiser choices now will ensure that you and your children will be healthier and happier
Find helpful and creative ideas for parents and grandparents while you shop our affordable kids furniture. For more information, visit this article on wooden toy boxes.