My Overweight Child

Gerber Criticized for Sodium Content in Meals for Toddlers

Gerber is possibly the most trusted name in baby food. But the company has been criticized by a Canadian group because of the high amounts of sodium in some of the meals it markets for toddlers.

A Feb. 3 Canadian Press article provided the following details:

The Canadian Stroke Network and the Advanced Foods & Materials Network chose Gerber Graduates Lil' Entrees because the product line's Chicken & Pasta Wheel Pickups dinner contains 550 mg of sodium -- more than half a toddler's adequate daily intake of 1,000 mg.

The organizations say the amount of sodium in the prepared food is equivalent to that contained in two medium orders of McDonald's french fries. McDonald's Canada website says a medium order of fries contains 270 mg of sodium.

Yet labelling on the Gerber Graduates meal says it is "appropriate for children one year or older" and is "specially made for toddlers."

"There is a concern that eating too much sodium in childhood can lead to a preference for salty foods and, consequently, an increased risk of disease as an adult," said Dr. Kevin Willis, who leads efforts by the Canadian Stroke Network to raise awareness of the dangers of excessive sodium intake.

Labels: diet, nutrition, sodium, toddlers

Encourage Healthy Eating to Help Your Teen Excel in the Classroom

Unless they are involved in competitive sports, many teens don't think much about health or healthy eating. So it's up to parents to do some of the thinking and planning for them. Poor nutrition in teens has been linked to everything from poor academic performance to obesity.

In a Jan. 18 article on buzzle.com, Kevin Heath provided tips on healthy nutrition that can help your teen's performance in the classroom:

There are things that can be done to combat the poor nutrition that leads to failure in school and beginning with a healthy lifestyle is a good start.

You should remove unhealthy foods from the home and not buy them which prevent everyone from getting into a poor nutrition cycle. Simple sugars and syrups should be removed or at least used in moderation. These include jams and jellies, ice cream, maple syrup and other products that contain high fructose corn syrup.

Get rid of those sodas and sugary drinks and get that water flowing. It is much better to stay hydrated with water as several brands of pop have caffeine in them and the sugar overload can lead to a mid-day or evening crash when your teen should be learning or doing homework.

Avoid white flour as it turns into glucose that is stored in fat cells during the digestion process. Processed foods can be very poor in nutritional value and include junk food (chips, pretzels, etc.), hot dogs, sugary breakfast cereals, high sodium meals, etc. The more packaged and processed a meal is, the less nutritious it is. Saturated fats and Trans fats are a big no-no. Look for "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" on food labels and don't buy them.

Labels: healthy eating, nutrition

Studies Suggest Fruit Juice Just as Harmful as Sugary Sodas

Despite its reputation as a health food, fruit juice is full of sugar and children should avoid drinking it, according to several new research studies.

The researchers say that juice has more calories, sugar and salt per ounce than sugared sodas. Fruit juice is also full of fructose sugar, which may increase the risk for heart disease and diabetes.

One study done in 1997 found that preschool children who drank at least 12 ounces of juice a day were three times more likely to be overweight or obese.
A 2006 study found that each extra glass of juice a day caused the 970 children in the study who were overweight or obese to gain an extra pound each year.
However, other studies have found that children who drink juice tend to have healthier diets overall, and tend to eat breakfast. These habits are linked to maintaining a normal weight.

"Both sodas and fruit juices are going to promote equal weight gain," said Kimber Stanhope, a scientist at University of California, Davis.

Dr. Charles Billington, a researcher at the University of Minnesota agrees. "There is no need for any juice at all in the modern diet,” he said. “It's pretty much the same as sugar water."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under six years old drink no more than one two-to-four ounce serving of juice a day. Older children should have no more than two such drinks a day.

Labels: fruit juice, nutrition

Group Gathers to Discuss Ways to Improve Nutrition in Illinois Schools

In conjunction with National School Lunch Month, a group of concerned community members convened in the Naperville (Illinois) Whole Foods grocery store to discuss ways to improve nutrition in area schools.

Dena Sanderson reported on the event in the Oct. 16 edition of the Naperville Sun:

"Healthier children make better learners," said panelist Rochelle Davis, founding executive director of the Healthy Schools Campaign. "Our program allows us to help school officials make changes in school lunch programs," she added.

Davis said the coalition has helped pass key state laws, including requiring schools to have larger cafeterias so students are eating their lunches at normal times. She said this prevents unhealthy snacking and hunger during the school day.

She added that all schools need to adopt wellness policies and parents need to get involved with their schools in order to bring the health issue to the forefront. ...

Catherine Gonzalez, a registered dietitian with the DuPage County Health Department, said the time is now to make changes in school lunch programs because health issues such as Type 2 diabetes, increased cholesterol levels and psychological issues are among the many consequences of childhood obesity.

Labels: lunches, nutrition, schools

Various Efforts Aim to Improve Nutrition Among U.S. Youth

In a Sept. 2 Los Angeles Times article, Lorenza Muñoz bemoaned the sad state of nutrition among American children -- but the food writer noted that a number of efforts are underway to improve the eating habits and food IQ among the nation's youth:

Due in part to an alarming increase in childhood obesity, diabetes and other junk-food-related illnesses, healthful-food movements targeting kids are sprouting all over the United States. From kids' cooking classes to angry mothers demanding more healthful food in cafeterias to edible gardens at schools, more people are looking to improve their families' eating habits.

"The whole food system in our country is broken," says Susan Rubin, a former dentist, now nutritionist in New York, who founded Better School Food, a nonprofit program to help parents improve their kids' school food programs. "Somehow we have gotten the idea that healthy food is not good."

Countering the culture of junk and processed foods takes parental effort and a little creativity. Cynthia Walters of Powell, Ohio, takes her three children on "scavenger hunts" at the local supermarket. Every week, they try to pick out an unfamiliar fruit or vegetable. A few weeks ago, her 11-year-old son spotted an unattractive, brownish-gray vegetable and showed it to his siblings as if he had discovered something truly unique.

Labels: healthy_eating, nutrition, prevention

Nutrition in U.S. Schools Improving, Not Yet Ideal

American schools are becoming healthier, but there’s still work to do, according to a series of recent studies. The compilation of assessments appears in a September supplement to the Journal of Adolescent Health.

The following is one example of the progress that is being made:

Students in California schools have a choice of healthier foods and beverages. More than 85 percent of 56 schools studied complied with state beverage standards that went into effect two years ago, and nearly 64 percent meet standards regarding healthy food in their cafeterias and other venues.

While nutrition is improving, physical education is not. It is currently required for just 20 percent of all 12th graders. Many researchers call for additional policies regarding nutrition and physical activity in schools, as well as a thorough study of the effectiveness of existing policies.

Labels: nutrition, schools

Online Games Influence Kids' Food Choices

Researchers have revealed that the content of online videogames can influence a child's food choices -- for better or for worse.

Researchers with Georgetown University asked nine-years-olds to play one of two different versions of a videogame.
In one version, the idea was to make a character eat less nutritious foods, such as potato chips, soda, candy and chocolate chip cookies.
The second version rewarded the children with points if their characters ate healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.

"Within only 10 minutes of exposure to the videogames, our results revealed that children selected whatever snacks were being marketed by the games, whether they were healthy or not," the researchers reported in a July 14 ScienceDaily article.

The Georgetown study was published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

Labels: advertising, nutrition, video_games

Many Kids Gain Weight in Summer

With ample opportunities to get outside and play, summer vacation would seem to be the ideal time for overweight young people to shed a few unwanted pounds. But according to a recent study in Madison, Wisconsin, this may not be the case.

According to a July 23 article by Adam Helmsing of the Marshalfield News Herald, the researchers discovered that many students who improved their body fat percentage during the school year gained weight during summer vacation:

"It would seem that the summer months offer prime opportunities for riding bikes, playing ball, swimming, and other activities that burn calories, but it appears that much of this time is spent in more sedentary activities like watching TV and playing video games," said [Susan Nitzke, a nutrition specialist for the University of Wisconsin-Extension].

Experts with whom Helmsing spoke offered the following tips to help children maintain a healthy weight during summer vacation:

Share activities with your children.
Play games outside, take a walk, or ride bikes together whenever the weather permits.
Try to avoid concentrated sweets. Eat nutritionally dense foods instead.
Set activity goals each week and plan small rewards to celebrate reaching these goals.
Keep chips, candy, soda and other "junk" foods out of the house. When it's time for a snack, make sure healthier options like fruits, vegetables, whole-grain crackers and low fat milk are available.

For more information about helping overweight children, check out this list of tips for parents of overweight kids.

Labels: nutrition, overweight children, summers

Study: Most Moms Overload Kids' Plates

One in three mothers puts too much food on their child’s plates, according to a report entitled "Kids and Nutrition."

Researchers surveyed 302 mothers of children ages one to seven years old, and found that 80 percent were unsure if their children's food intake met nutritional requirements. In general, the mothers put too much food on the kids' plates, and 80 percent believe that their children are "fussy eaters" if they do not eat all of it.

These finding are similar to those that were arrived at by Cornell University researchers who documented the negative impact that forcing children to clean their plates can have on childhood overweight and obesity.

Children have a "tremendous capacity" to self-regulate their food intake, and parents should not force them to eat, said pediatrician Dr. Michael Kohn. T

This study appeared in the Journal of Nutrition and Diabetes.

Labels: causes of childhood obesity, family meals, nutrition, parenting

Calorie Counts May be Added to Menus in Hawaii

A bill has been introduced in the Hawaii State Legislature that would require food chains to put nutritional information on their menus.

"The Hawaii legislation (House Bill 1526 HD1) is aimed at encouraging healthy food choices to combat increasing obesity and an increased risk of high blood pressure and hypertension, which can lead to cardiovascular disease."

The law would require all franchise food establishments with ten or more restaurants to include accurate nutritional information on all their menus, and make this information available to the public upon request. Source: Star-Bulletin (Hawaii)

Labels: calories, nutrition, restaurants

U.S. Program Targets Obesity during Pregnancy

Health professionals have long known that children of overweight or obese parents are more likely to be overweight themselves. But they assumed the child became overweight as a result of learned behavior - for example, picking up bad nutritional and exercise habits from mom and dad:

"Now, animal studies suggest the environment the fetus is growing in influences the genes. 'The whole idea is, as that child comes out of the birth canal, you've already imprinted that child's vulnerability to be overweight,' [Dr. Robert] Kushner said."

These findings have compelled Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago to begin a program aimed at helping pregnant mothers maintain healthy weight. The 20 women who participate in the program meet weekly for classes on nutrition, stress, and exercise. Source: ABS-CBN News (Philippines)

Labels: nutrition, parents, pregnancy

A New Kind of Food Pyramid

Most people are familiar with the Food Pyramid that explains many daily servings we should have from the primary food groups. But the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a new pyramid for children that is based on portion control.

"For Ben [a 4-year-old], who can't stop moving, we entered his physical activity at more than 60 minutes a day. Meaning he needs about five ounces of grains a day, two cups of veggies, and so on. The pyramid helps outline not only what foods kids should be eating, but how much."

The first revised Food Pyramid applied to children between the ages of three and five, but the USDA has also developed a pyramid for older children. Source: KMOT-TV (ND)

Labels: food_pyramid, nutrition, portion_control

Nutrition Program adds Fruits, Veggies to Schools in Poor Districts

Low-income school children throughout the United States are sampling more fruits and vegetables thanks to a federal nutrition program. The program, initially tested in just two states, is now running in all 50.

"The program ... provided low-income students with fruits and vegetables during the school day, in addition to what they get at breakfast and lunch at school. [It] is aimed at getting kids to select healthier snacks..."

Under the federal program, students are also exposed to a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to help them figure out what they like, and increase the chances that they'll ask for a papaya instead of potato chips the next time they want a snack. Source: Omaha World-Herald

Labels: low-income, nutrition, schools

Restaurants Required to Reveal Calorie Count

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law legislation that requires restaurants to include calorie information in their menus.

Many restaurant-goers said they liked the idea. "I think it would be a good thing," said restaurant patron Cory Becky. "That way we actually understand how much we're putting into our bodies, especially [for parents] with little kids."

The law, which will go into effect in 2011, will apply to any restaurant chain that has 20 or more establishments in California. Source: WCSH6 NBC (Portland, ME)

Labels: calories, nutrition, restaurants

Color Your Meals Naturally

The value of eating fruits and vegetables has been touted for generations. But new scientific research is finding that fruits and vegetables are more than just an excellent source of vitamins.

"We've moved beyond seeing fruits and vegetables as rich sources of essential vitamins and now are beginning to understand the roles and complexity of compounds such as antioxidants and the literally hundreds of phytochemicals that interact to influence health and nutrition."

Antioxidants protect the body against "free radicals," harmful molecules that are linked to higher rates of cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses. Source: Enid News & Eagle (OK)

Labels: healthy_eating, heart_disease, nutrition

Proper Nutrition Vital for Teen Girls

Proper nutrition during adolescence is vital for girls' healthy development into adulthood. But studies have found that few teenage girls get enough fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, or vitamins A, E, and B. Most also get too much sodium and saturated fat.

"One study showed that about 80 percent of kids who were overweight from ages 10 to 15 will be overweight as adults, and another found that 25 percent of obese adults were overweight kids. These children are at risk for weight-related health problems in the future..."

On average, girls between the ages of 14 and 18 should consume between 2,200 and 2,400 calories a day. While cutting calories may help an overweight teen shed a few pounds, it needs to be done healthfully to ensure that proper nutrition isn't compromised. Source: Reuters

Labels: development, girls, nutrition

State Health Organization wants Public Input on Nutrition Guidelines

The Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition (MoCAN) recently revised its voluntary nutrition guidelines for public schools, and is now asking the public to weigh in on the Missouri Eat Smart Guidelines.

"MoCAN's first set of school nutrition guidelines, published in 2005, outlined three levels of nutrition standards for schools: minimum, intermediate and advanced. The revised guidelines add a fourth category, the exemplary level, as a higher standard for school nutrition."

The public is invited to comment on the guidelines through August, at which time MoCAN will review all submissions. The final draft of the recommendations will be released in September. Source: EMaxHealth

Labels: community, nutrition, schools

Cooking Classes For Kids Offer Many Benefits to Students

Teaching children how to cook at an early age has many benefits, not the least of which is the ability of nutrition education to assist in the battle against obesity. The Kitchen Kapers studio in Moorestown, Pennsylvania has begun putting this theory into practice.

"Though nutrition can be stealthily baked into chocolate cake in the form of a beet puree, as Jessica Seinfeld has demonstrated with her Deceptively Delicious recipes, these instructors reason that children stand a better chance of developing healthier habits when they can recognize a beet, and, better yet, learn how to roast and peel it."

Cooking classes can also teach portion control, as well as introduce young eaters to new foods. As an added benefit, instructors believe that families that cook together are more likely to develop a habit of eating together - and, in addition to reinforcing positive nutrition concepts, shared meals have also been shown to promote emotional well-being. Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Labels: cooking, healthy_eating, nutrition

Breakfasts with a Variety of Foods Improve Teens' Moods and Behavior

An Australian study found that teens that eat a balanced breakfast with a variety of nutrients from different food groups show improved moods and behaviors.

Each time a child added a new choice from a different food group, he or she would score higher on tests for mood and behaviors on questionnaires completed by their parents, regardless of family income or the child's weight or exercise routine.

"It didn't matter what they added, just that they added something different like a banana to their cereal to make that meal more complete with vitamins and minerals," said lead researcher Therese O'Sullivan of the Telethon Institute for Child Health in Perth.

She and her colleagues analyzed breakfasts of more than 800 14-year-olds over a three-day period. Many skipped breakfast completely, and the vast majority ate from only one or two food groups.

Labels: breakfast, nutrition, variety

Parents Need to Count Calories

Susannah Locketti is a working mother of two who is often sought out by other moms for nutrition advice. How, they want to know, can they make sure their kids eat healthy when life is so hectic that fast foods and pre-packaged meals seem to be the only options.

"Phase one of the plan consists of switching out every white flour product in the house with a whole grain alternative... I remember the first day my kids ate 'brown bread', as they called it. It was 100 percent whole wheat and they refused it for three days... They eventually caved and whole wheat bread is a staple in my school lunches."

Parents can also switch to whole grain cereals, and replace chips and cookies with yogurt and string cheese. Source: The Kingston Observer

Labels: healthy_eating, nutrition, parenting

Weight Program Involves Whole Family

The program TrimKids was created 18 years ago by an exercise physiology professor who wanted to encourage entire families to get fit together. The program has been implemented into several New Orleans-area YMCAs.

"Through weekly meetings, nutrition lessons, exercise sessions and visits with behavior counselors, children learn how to control their weight and make healthy choices."

Louisiana's obesity rate is currently higher than the national average. A trend it's hoping to change through programs like TrimKids. Source: The Times - Picayune

Labels: exercise, families, nutrition

Simple Diet Changes Can Reduce Obesity

The health risks associated with childhood obesity are well-documented and well-known. What many parents don't know is how much simple dietary changes can reduce a child's risk of becoming obese.

"In Philadelphia, five schools revised their cafeteria menus. They got rid of the sodas and replaced them with water, low-fat milk and 100 percent fruit juice. They also made sure that the snacks in the vending machines and cafeterias met certain nutritional requirements. Parents were also encouraged to give their children more fruits and vegetables."

A team of researchers then tracked Philadelphia students from fourth through sixth grade. They found that twice as many students became obese in the schools that did not revise their menus and snacks. Source: OnHealthyLiving.com.

Labels: diet, health_risks, nutrition

Blue Cross Blue Shield Announces New Campaign

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has announced a new campaign to address the state's issue of childhood obesity.

"BCBSIL will provide funding to bring together, strengthen, and advance existing programs and organizations that educate children and families about and promote proper nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyles."

An estimated 21 percent of Illinois children are overweight or obese and 18 percent are at risk of being overweight. Read more at www.prnewswire.com.

Labels: education, insurance, nutrition

Healthier Food Squeezes Budgets

Between 2003 and 2007, the state of North Carolina lost more than $10 million in its child-nutrition programs, going from a $5.6 million profit to a $5.7 million loss. Officials say the loss was primarily caused by increased costs associated with introducing healthier foods into school meal programs.

"Schools began offering healthier a la carte items in cafeterias, but those items cost more, Hoggard said. For example, the cost of 240 regular cookies is about $41, but the cost of 240 reduced-fat, whole-grain cookies is about $55. And those healthier items don't sell as well..."

Lynn Hoggard, section chief for child nutrition in North Carolina, estimates that it could cost between $15 million and $20 million to implement the necessary nutrition changes. Read more at StarNewsOnline.com.

Labels: healthy_eating, nutrition, schools

Kids and Teens Consuming Too Many Caffeinated Drinks

Are teens overly caffeinated? A new study from the Canadian Health System found that the average teen might take in over 245 milligrams of caffeine per day, nearly five times the recommended limit of 50 milligrams. Teens are drinking more "energy drinks" and "designer coffees," along with caffeinated sodas. According to a study at Johns Hopkins, one cup of coffee per day is all it takes to develop a caffeine dependency.

Nutritionists and other health experts worry about the effect of caffeine on developing bodies, especially when caffeinated drinks replace healthier ones like milk or juice. A study from the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that over 76 percent of children under 5 and 90 percent of children ages 6 to 8 ingest caffeine on a daily basis.

Pediatrician Janis Mendelsohn says no child under 8 years old should have caffeine. "They don't exercise as much, and they are using it as a stimulant," she said.

Labels: caffeine, development, nutrition

Cut Fructose, Not Carbs

A new study from the University of Florida has found that cutting fructose may do more for weight-management and weight-loss than cutting carbs. The findings were recently published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

"Many diets - including the low-carb variety - are based on the glycemic index, which measures how foods affect blood glucose levels. Because starches convert to glucose in the body, these diets tend to limit foods such as rice and potatoes. While table sugar is composed of both glucose and fructose, fructose seems to be the more dangerous part of the equation, UF researchers say. Eating too much fructose causes uric acid levels to spike, which can block the ability of insulin to regulate how the body cells use and store sugar and other nutrients for energy, leading to obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes..."

Though fructose isn't the only culprit in the current obesity epidemic, it may play a more important role that previously believed. Researchers warn, however, that junk food, high-fat food and a sedentary lifestyle are important factors as well.

Labels: healthy_eating, nutrition, sugars

Day of Healthy Food

The Health Commissioner of the European Union launched the "European Day of Healthy Food and Cooking", as a way to promote healthy eating and living amongst children. Fourteen member states are participating in the Day, sponsoring activities that range from cooking demonstrations by top chefs to workshops promoting a healthy lifestyle.

"Commissioner Kyprianou said 'Good habits practiced from an early age are more likely to continue into adulthood. Through this partnership with Euro-Toques, the Commission aims to promote the importance of healthy eating to children in a fun and interactive way. Encouraging children to enjoy healthy eating and physical exercise is the best investment that we can make for their future."

One of the events was an interactive cooking lesson hosted by four professional chefs in Brussels, who talked with 60 children about the benefits of eating well.

Labels: healthy_eating, lifestyle, nutrition

Another School District Bans Dessert

A school district in Central New York State has become the second in the state to ban cupcakes and other desserts from birthday celebrations. The school has also begun to replace soda with milk and sandwich rolls with whole wheat bread. Surprisingly, few kids mind the change.

"'I like everything except for the cheese,' said Scott Huynh, 10. 'Cupcakes make you really fat, and vegetables keep you going longer, and also you won't die early if you eat them.' Jake Temple, 10, said he didn't really miss eating cupcakes. 'The vegetables actually taste kinda weird, but they give you more energy than fatty food.'"

Some students and parents, however, think the ban on birthday sweets goes too far. The general sentiment among the group is that, while limiting sweets is important, having a cupcake at a birthday celebration isn't going to cause obesity in anyone.

Labels: dessert, nutrition, schools

Federal Program may Increase Availability of Fruits and Vegetables

A federal pilot program that's been running in 14 states may be expanded across the country when the nation sets its agricultural policy for the next five years. The program makes fruits and vegetables more readily available in school lunch programs and is being heavily lobbied for by the United Fresh Produce Association.

"'Kids eat way less than half of the total fruit and vegetables they need to eat for good health,' said Lorelai DiSogra, a nutritionist at United Fresh Produce Association, which represents fruit and vegetable growers. 'If you can make fresh fruits and vegetables available, kids are going to eat it.'"

A program expansion would make as much as $225 million available, making it easier to expand the program beyond its current pilot stage.

Labels: healthy_eating, nutrition, schools

Schools Seeing Some Success in Fight Against Obesity

With an estimated 13 million children and adolescents considered obese, school systems and health officials have been diligently searching for ways help kids be healthier. From changes in school cafeteria food to increased daily physical activities, the changes have been widespread and are beginning to get results.

"A recent CDC study shows that the share of school cafeterias offering their students French fries as the only vegetable item on their menus has dropped from 40 percent in 2000 to 18.8 percent in 2006... A...program in Texas, close to El Paso, has helped reduce the percentage of children with weight problems from 25.8 percent in 2002 to 23.4 percent in 2005."

There's still a long way to go, but all indications are that the health of the nation's children is slowly improving. Because children spend less than 20 percent of their time in school, it's important for parents to take positive steps at home, too.

Labels: nutrition, schools

Medical Community Calls for Changes

The American medical community has written a bold statement calling for widespread reform in federal food policies. The American Medical Association places much of the blame for our current obesity epidemic on the Federal Farm Bill, which creates large subsidies for things like meat, eggs and dairy products but almost none for fruits and vegetables.

"Federal law currently requires the USDA to purchase commodity foods - meat, dairy products, eggs, and other unhealthy foods - and dump them into school lunch programs. These foods are not selected for nutritional value but are designed to support agricultural businesses by removing surpluses and providing price supports. That's why lunch menus are loaded with cheeseburgers, roast beef with gravy, and sausage-and-cheese pizza, while low-fat and vegetarian options are virtually absent. In the most recent federal survey, about 80 percent of elementary and middle schools violate the USDA's own limits on fat in foods."

The problem also extends to the USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. The WIC program is supposed to provide nutritional support for at-risk populations, but supplies up two 24 quarts of milk a month while supplying less than two pounds of fruits and vegetables.

Labels: legislation, nutrition, schools

Better Nutrition May Account For Teens Being Taller, Heavier

Today's teens are taller and heavier than their counterparts in the 1960s, and that may be due to better nutrition, according to a study in the BMC Public Health journal.

However, the researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology who did the study cannot explain why more of today's teens are at extremes of overweight and underweight.

Sigrid Bjornelv and her colleagues went through charts from the years 1995-1997 of 6774 teenagers and charts from 8378 teens in 1966-1969. Heights and weights increased for all ages and both sexes. This study, like many others, found an increased percentage of teenagers who are obese. However, there was also an increase in the percentage of very underweight teens.

Labels: causes of childhood obesity, nutrition

No More Birthday Cupcakes?

Some Long Island school districts, in an effort to combat childhood obesity, have banned cupcakes and other sugary foods in the classrooms. At least eight school districts will no longer allow unhealthy treats at classroom birthday celebrations.

"The strict diet rules could also affect such school traditions as bake sales and teachers handing out candy as classroom rewards. In place of cupcakes, school districts are considering healthier foods and games to celebrate birthdays."

Some parents, however, feel the step is too extreme and are calling the move "Big Brother paternalism".

Mount Bachelor Academy private high school offers the Lifestep Curriculum to help teens find their path in life.

Labels: healthy_eating, nutrition, schools

Obesity Programs Less Than Successful

The U.S. will spend over $1 billion on nutrition education for school children. Despite that, obesity problems are steadily increasing.

"...an Associated Press review of scientific studies examining 57 such programs found mostly failure. Just four showed any real success in changing the way children eat – or any promise as weapons against the growing epidemic of childhood obesity."

National obesity rates among children ages 6- to 11-years old have increased to nearly five times what they were in the 1970s, and tripled among teenagers. Most doctors agree that, though childhood obesity programs often target schools, parents have the biggest influence over what their kids eat.

Read more at Boston.com.

Labels: education, nutrition, schools

Dole Food Company, Inc. Commits to Healthier Choices

Dole Food Company, Inc has become the first (and so far the only) produce company to sign the Memorandum of Understanding created by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The Memorandum sets forth industry guidelines on foods that are sold in schools.

"The Dole Nutrition Institute will collaborate with the Alliance on school demonstration projects that promote student acceptability of fruits and vegetables, provide food service staff with training on preparing and serving healthier food items, and communicate recommended nutritional practices within the educational setting and to parents."

Dole will also partner with the Alliance in identifying schools in which fruits and vegetables need to be made more readily available. Read more at Home.Businesswre.com.

Labels: healthy_eating, nutrition, schools

California Phasing Soda out of Schools

The California legislature has passed two bills that take effect this Sunday and are intended to impose tougher nutrition standards in public schools. One of the bills implements stricter nutrition standards for food; the other does the same for beverages.

"The school nutrition bills grew out of former Sen. Martha Escutia's struggles with gestational diabetes when she had her second child eight years ago. Her research on diabetes and its links to obesity led to a 6-and-a-half-year campaign against school junk food."

The standards for food limit the amount of salt, saturated fat, sugar and calories a snack food can contain; while the beverage bill requires than at least half the drinks sold at schools are healthy and something other than soda.

Read more at MohaveDailyNews.com.

Labels: healthy_eating, nutrition, schools

House Representative Threatens FCC Involvement

Representative Ed Markey, D-Mass, said if food marketers don't restrict ads marketing unhealthy foods to kids he's going to ask the FCC to do it for them. Stating that the Federal Communications Commission has a responsibility to protect children, Rep. Markey has threatened to push the agency into developing a rule that will restrict the kinds of products that can be marketed to children.

"Kids food ads have been attracting more attention in Washington, with TV ads for 'junk foods' cited by critics as one cause of rising childhood obesity, a charge food and advertising groups deny."

Rep. Markey wrote several letters urging food and beverage companies to follow the lead of Kellogg Co. who has promise to re-engineer their less healthy food or stop marketing it to kids.

Read more at TVWeek.com.

Labels: legislation, marketing, nutrition

Food Labels can be Tricky

Most parents do their best to find healthy foods for their children, and most of them rely on a food's packaging and nutritional information when making decisions about which cereals or breads to buy. The labels can be tricky, however, and sometimes even misleading.

"Kid's cereals often say 'Whole Grain' to appeal to parents, but the cereals are usually loaded with...sugar. A box of Cheerios, for example, has eight separate and prominent health claims... However: Sugar, honey and brown sugar syrup are numbers 2, 5 and 6 on the ingredient list."

The best thing a parent can do is look for foods that have short ingredient lists. Your kids may not like these simpler foods at first, but they'll get used to them over time.

Read more at LiveScience.com.

Labels: healthy_eating, labels, nutrition

Kellogg to Modify Products, Marketing

Amid pressure to provide healthier products, and the country's growing problem with childhood obesity, Kellogg announced that week that it will be modifying products like Pop Tarts and Fruit Loops to make them healthier. If the products can't be re-made while maintaining their flavor, the company has vowed to stop marketing them to children under 12-years-old.

"The company already has a policy under which it does not advertise to children under the age of 6. As part of its new commitments, Kellogg won't market to children any food that has more than 200 calories, 2 grams of saturated fat, 230 milligrams of sodium, 12 grams of sugar, or any trans fat, per single serving. This means that Kellogg products that don't meet these criteria can't be advertised on television, radio, print and third-party Web sites whose main audience is young children."

Kellogg hasn't said how much the modification process will cost, but has said that all of its products that don't meet these new standards will either be reformulated or remarketed by the end of 2008.

Read more at Money.cnn.com.

Labels: healthy_eating, marketing, nutrition

Sneak Veggies into Kids' Diet

If you ask kids what they want to eat, or for a snack, few will say "vegetables". Yet they're an important part of a growing child's diet. They're also a great way to add more flavor and less calories to some kid-favorite dishes.

"The researchers [at Penn State College of Health and Human Development] developed two variations of pasta, and served the dishes to 61 children between the ages of 3-5 on different occasions to conduct their research."

One dish was a standard pasta dish, while the other had 25% less calories and a pasta sauce that included blended vegetables. The children who sampled the dishes showed no clear preference. Read more at NSTA.org.

Children and teenagers can make poor choices when it comes to diet and other things they put in their bodies. If you are dealing with teen drug and alcohol abuse, visit Adolescent-Substance-Abuse.com for help and learn the sigs of teen drug use.

Labels: healthy_eating, nutrition, vegetables

Pure Juice Doesn't Cause Weight Gain

For years, there's been a commonly held belief that 100% fruit juice (possibly because of its high sugar content) increased the risk for weight gain among children. But the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey has shown that not to be true.

"In fact, children aged two to three who drank the most juice were nearly three times less likely to be overweight than children who drank no juice at all."

Kids who drank 100% fruit juice also consumed higher amounts of vitamin C, potassium, riboflavin, and magnesium. They were also more likely to consume whole fruit than kids who drank very little, or no, fruit juice. Read more at CTV.ca.

Labels: junk_food, nutrition, weight_gain

The Teens of Weight Loss Confidential

Anne M. Fletcher, M.S., R.D., author of Weight Loss Confidential worked with over 100 teenagers when she wrote Weight Loss Confidential. She "turned to schools, health clubs, weight programs, friends, relatives, and colleagues, all across the United States, even in other countries, to find formerly overweight teens who had lost weight in healthy ways." Once she found teens who lost weight, she had them answer an eight-page questionnaire to learn their weight loss story.

Read more about Weight Loss Confidential.

Labels: losing_weight, nutrition, teenagers

U.S. Health Officials Unveil New Nutrition Standards

Federal school meal programs have had to adhere to specific standards for years, but food and snacks that aren't part of a federal program have not. Today, U.S. Health Officials took their first steps to correct this and improve the overall health and nutritional value of food, beverages, and snacks offered in public schools.

"The committee authoring this report first divided foods and beverages into two tiers, based on how well they conform to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Tier 1 foods and beverages provide at least one serving of fruit, vegetable and/or whole grains or non fat/low-fat dairy. Tier 2 items do not meet Tier 1 specifications but aren't entirely outside dietary intake recommendations. These might include baked potato chips, low-sodium whole wheat crackers or animal crackers."

Lisa Harper Mallonee, a registered dietician, says the recommendations are wonderful but also emphasized the importance of getting schools and parents working to implement the recommendations. Read more online.

Labels: health_officials, nutrition, schools

How Color Affects Taste

Do you ever wonder why sugary, unhealthy snack foods and cereals marketed to children come in such wild colors, like bright blue, purple, green and red? It may be because what we see affects how we believe something tastes.

A recent study reported in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people identified a difference in taste - even when none existed - when the color of a beverage was changed. Using Tropicana orange juice, researchers asked participants to describe the taste difference between two cups of the beverage, which were identical except that one was colored a brighter orange with food coloring. The overwhelming majority identified the brighter orange juice as tasting sweeter.

Yet when two glasses of orange juice were presented with no color change between them but with one glass sweetened with sugar, the majority of study participants were unable to discern a difference in taste.

Labels: nutrition, research, tastes

Kids Skip Fruits and Vegetables In Early and Late Adolescence

Teenagers skip fruits and vegetables when they are in middle school and then again in late adolescence, according to a new study by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

A research team led by Nicole Larson surveyed more than 2000 children in 1999 and then again in 2005. The team found that children in early adolescence tended to skip fruits and vegetables. There was also a second decrease in consumption of those foods in late adolescence.

The authors conclude that we need to develop "more effective interventions for increasing fruits and vegetable consumption during these critical developmental periods."

This study appeared in the February 2007 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Labels: adolescence, healthy eating, nutrition

Parents Must be Pro-Active in Fighting Childhood Obesity

Last week, parents in South Dakota were invited to learn how to help fight the child obesity epidemic. Organizers of the Healthy Lifestyles for Kids Conference in Sioux Falls say the information taught was applicable to every parent - whether their child is fat or not - because today's kids are exposed to so much junk food.

"Registered dietician, Jessica Black, said, 'We're not focusing necessarily on parents of overweight children. That's a special concern, but really we're focusing on the majority of parents who may currently be at a healthy weight who would want their children to be healthy throughout their lifespan.'"

Nutritionists urge parents to be take a bigger part of their child's diet - parents need to be aware of what their kids eat at school, at after-school programs, and at friends' houses. Read more online.

Labels: nutrition, parents, pro-active

School Lunches Only Part of the Problem

Now that schools are finally tackling the unhealthy lunch problem and banning sweetened drinks from vending machines, we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Or maybe not. Many children bring packed lunches to school, with the majority falling short of healthy by a long shot.

If your child carries her lunch to school, how does it measure up? Ideally, you should pack small portions of foods from a variety of food groups: fruit and vegetables, nuts and meat, grains (preferably whole-wheat) and low fat dairy. Try some of these kid-pleasing ideas:

A slice of turkey in a whole wheat tortilla wrap with lettuce and tomatoes
Wheat crackers with low fat cheese
Whole wheat pita with hummus
Sliced apples with low fat peanut butter (if school doesn’t have a nut free policy)
Cut up raw veggies with low fat dip
Small salad with sliced strawberries on top
Deviled egg
Small carton of low fat yogurt
A handful of almonds or other nuts or soy nuts
Soup or baked beans kept warm in a small thermos.

There should be no more (and probably less!) than one treat in the lunch box. Fresh fruit or a pudding made with low fat milk should suffice.

Labels: healthy eating, nutrition, schools

Banning Trans Fat: Only One Piece of the Obesity Solution

Just recently, New York City passed a law to stop restaurants from using trans fats in food preparation. Trans fats are oils that have been hydrogenated from a liquid to a solid or semi-solid state, providing processed foods with a longer shelf life. Trans fats can be found in many processed foods such as baked goods and crackers, and also fried foods. They are more harmful for your body than saturated fats (a type of fat found in animal products), because they not only raise the body levels of "bad cholesterol" (LDL) but also lower the levels of "good cholesterol" (HDL).

The banning of trans fat is a good step. But health professionals caution that reducing trans fat in the diet isn't very helpful if it is replaced with saturated fat. For example, if restaurants replaced hydrogenated soybean oil (trans fat) with palm oil (50 percent saturated fat) for cooking fried foods, the health benefit would be marginal.

Consumers need to be aware of what kind of fats are present in foods—and how many calories are present as well, in order to lower weight and improve health.

Labels: fats, healthy eating, nutrition

Keeping a Food Diary

One of the best ways to help your child make changes in her diet is to have her keep a food diary so that she is more aware of what she's presently eating. This may sound silly, but how many times have you grabbed a handful of pretzels while passing the kitchen, or nibbled on cheese while cooking? It's easy to consume a lot of extra calories before you realize it.

A diet diary can also be a useful tool for figuring out personal triggers for unhealthy eating, such as snacking while watching TV, or eating when feeling stressed.

The diet diary should be kept for 3-7 days without changing normal habits. Everything that is consumed should be recorded, including snacks, drinks, and extras such as dressing and condiments. Some of the things to include in a diet diary are:

Time of day
Type of food
Amount of food (approximately 1 cup, a handful)
Where you are when eating
Who you are with
Mood or feelings at the time of eating (happy, stressed out, angry, neutral)

It's important for the food diary to reflect normal eating patterns rather than an attempt at eating correctly. This way you and your child can look at the diary and see what kinds of changes can be made to improve the diet. For example, if she tends to munch on snacks when feeling stressed, you can discuss other options, such as taking a walk with the dog, calling a friend, or taking a bath.

Labels: diet, fast food, food diary, nutrition

Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

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