Recent statistics released by the CDC indicate that in 2010, one in three kids in the United States was obese and another third were overweight. This is actually good news, as we are starting to see a slight drop in childhood obesity rates as lawmakers, schools, community members, physicians and parents come together to encourage families to adopt healthier lifestyles.
However, there is still work to do to fight the obesity epidemic. According to a study by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, if sustained action is not taken, about 42% of the American population will be obese by 2030, continuing to increase healthcare costs and affecting the economic stability of the United States.
Parents need to ask these three questions when planning meals for their children.
- Am I providing QUALITY food choices? Parents can reduce their child’s intake of sugar, salt and chemical additives in our food supply by creating homemade meals, made from scratch with natural ingredients.
- Am I providing the right QUANTITY of food? Parents should only allow four meals per day, consisting of quality food for breakfast, lunch, one afternoon snack for children, and dinner.
- Is it TIME to eat? Children should eat only 4 times a day, with meals 3-4 hours a part. Allowing for only one afternoon snack and eliminating all other snacking in between meals.