ARTICLES RELATED TO:
Nutrition

Most Americans consume some form of an artificial sweeter daily. This type of sugar substitute can used in a variety of packaged products from low-calorie flavored drinks to light flavored yogurts. The benefit of using artificial sweeteners is to help reduce the amount of added sugar in a product, which will also lower the total calories. A concern for parents and caregivers tends to be:  are they safe for children? Let’s breakdown some facts. What are artificial sweeteners and how are they regulated? Artificial sweeteners are known to give a more concentrated sweet taste to food and beverages. If using sugar substitutes at home it’s best to use less than you would of regular sugar.  Artificial Sweeteners are made by some means of chemical processing. They are high intensity sweeteners and tend to be hundreds of times sweeter than regular table sugar. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes an […]

A trip to the grocery store can quickly become overwhelming once you turn the corner and head down the aisle with cereals and bars. You could easily end up leaving the store empty handed in frustration. Cereals and bars for kids are an easy alternative for a quick meal or a snack. With so many options, how do you know if what you are buying is the best and healthiest one?  In 2018 the American Academy of Pediatrics released a report stating that food additives are particularly harmful to children since their metabolic systems are still developing. These chemicals may disrupt endocrine function, delay puberty, cause weight gain and trigger insulin resistance. Because of all these risks, it is important to choose cereals and bars that emphasize organic and natural ingredients.  Bars: The “bar” market is not just limited to granola bars. There are protein, fiber, and nut bars all […]

“There are starving children around the world and you are going to leave that food on your plate?” How many of you heard this growing up? I certainly did.   It’s basically parenting 101, right? And it comes from a genuine place. You spend money and time preparing food for your family; you don’t want that to go to waste! Not to mention, it’s hard to know how much a child should be eating in a day. Here are some tips that should help encourage a healthy portion size for your kids!  Serving Size Versus Portion Size Before we jump into healthy portion sizes for kids, let’s first break down the difference between a portion size and a serving size. A serving size is a specific measurement of food. Often expressed in cups, tablespoons and grams, the most common example is the Nutrition Facts Label found on the back of […]

Do you have one (or several) picky eaters on your hands? As parents, we’ve all been there. If you’re concerned about what your child does or doesn’t eat, the solution to your mealtime woes could be as close as your kitchen table. Benefits of Family Meals Family meals provide a multitude of benefits like: allowing parents to act as role models helping to create a supportive environment that promotes healthy eating teaching children about proper nutrition. Children of families who regularly eat together are also less likely to be obese, exhibit behavior problems, or use drugs and alcohol as they get older. Plus, they’re closer with their parents, which is always a good thing! Plan Ahead! Meal planning can make getting meals to the table much easier. But you might be asking yourself “Where do I begin?” or “How can I do it when I juggle so many other things?” […]

The holidays are a time for fun and family, but they can also be hectic and even unhealthy. Check out the following tips to help your kids (and yourself!) make good choices for a safe and healthy holiday season. 1. Get Up and Get Active Kids get most of their physical activity during school and at after-school activities. While they’re off on the holidays, they run the risk of being tied to digital devices, video games or the television. And although they deserve some off time and to celebrate like anyone else, there are lots of ways they can get physical activity during their time off from school. Consider the following: Children and adolescents should do 60 minutes (one hour) or more of physical activity each day. That includes aerobic activity (like brisk walking or running), muscle strengthening (like gymnastics or push-ups), and bone strengthening (like jumping rope or running). […]

It’s very common for parents to have concerns regarding their child’s eating habits. Picky eating is typical for many children, but parents are always looking for ways to offer new foods and improve their child’s nutrition. Here are some ways to encourage your picky eater to help build a balanced diet. Is My Child a Picky Eater? Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders* Picky Eaters Eat a limited variety of foods, but have around 30 foods they will accept Lose interest in a certain food for a period of time, but accept it again after a few weeks Tolerate a new food on the plate, even if they don’t eat it Eat at least one food from most textures (i.e. crunchy, puree) Able to eat at table with family, even if a separate meal Take in enough calories a day for growth and nutrition Sometimes reported by parent as “picky eater” […]