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Teach healthy eating at a young age
Courtesy of St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers
Eating healthy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and is something that should be taught at a young age.
It is important to discuss your adolescent’s diet with his/her physician prior to making any dietary changes or placing your adolescent on a diet.
Discuss the following healthy eating recommendations with your adolescent to ensure he/she is following a healthy eating plan:
• Eat three meals a day, with healthy snacks.
• Increase fiber in the diet and decrease the use of salt.
• Drink water. Try to avoid drinks and juices that are high in sugar.
• For growing children and adolescents, it is generally recommended to watch total fat consumption in the diet, rather than counting calories.
• Eat balanced meals.
• When cooking for your adolescent, try to bake or broil instead of fry.
• Make sure your adolescent watches (and decreases, if necessary) his/her sugar intake.
• Eat fruit or vegetables for a snack.
• For children over 5, use low-fat dairy products.
• Decrease the use of butter and heavy gravies.
• Eat more chicken and fish.
The basis of treatment for obesity in children and adolescents involves diet changes and exercise. It is important for parents and the adolescent to be ready and willing to make the change.
Generally, weight loss is not recommended for babies and young children who are still growing and developing.
The goal of treatment for these children is to maintain their weight while they continue to grow taller. Weight reduction may be recommended for obese adolescents who have completed their growth.
As a parent, you can help with the management of obesity by doing the following:
• Do not use food as a reward. Use other activities as a reward for good behavior.
• Have family meal time and snack times.
• Provide only healthy options for your adolescent to choose from. For example, stock in the refrigerator apples or yogurt, rather than cookies and pies.
• Have the entire family become involved on a healthy eating plan, not just the adolescent who is overweight.
• Encourage activities that promote exercise, such as riding a bike, walking, or skating.
Always consult your child’s physician for more information.
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