New 'Pyramid' for Preschoolers
New government guidelines assist parents in getting kids the right foods
Obesity in youth continues to be a problem throughout the United States. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is changing the food pyramid for toddlers aged two to five.
A new preschooler's section of the MyPyramid.gov Web site offers parents a plug and chug formula to figure out exactly how much of each food group their child should be eating. You plug in their name, age, gender and how much physical activity they engage in and poof - the formula of how many servings of each type of food is right before your eyes.
While the Web site indicates that you should not worry if your child does not want to eat certain things, its always nice to know what they should be eating, to avoid the onset of obesity at a young age. According to the site, "Each child's needs may differ from the average and appetites can vary from day to day. While the amount eaten daily may vary, the average amounts over time should be similar to this plan."
This is especially pertinent with the holiday season within sniffing distance. "Focus on being with family, friends and loved ones, rather than 'what's to eat,'" says Richard E. Kreipe, M.D., professor of the pediatrics in the division of adolescent medicine in the department of pediatrics at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, Rochester, N.Y. Model healthy eating and promote family activities to ensure a happy and healthy holiday environment for kids and their families.
"The single most important thing that parents can do is lead by example," Kreipe says. "Listen twice as much as you talk and don't talk about food in the same breath as calories, guilt, or 'paying the price."
Turn healthy eating into a positive experience by showing excitement about trying a variety of healthy foods in small portions.
Don't let the colder weather restrain your activity during the holiday season. Little things add up. "Going for a nice brisk walk, especially after eating a heavy meal, can be refreshing and relaxing," Kreipe says.
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