Celebrate Kids Eat Right Month – Idaho Press-Tribune

Summer is coming to an end and kids are getting ready to head back to school. With that natural change, it’s a great way to inspire a fresh start with children’s healthy eating habits during Kids Eat Right Month.

While childhood obesity continues to be on the rise, every August focuses on the importance of healthy eating and active lifestyles for both kids and their families.

This month is a perfect time to take a close look at your family’s eating and physical activity habits and identify areas where you can make positive changes. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is encouraging families to do the following during August:

• Shop Smart: Start by developing your meal plan and your shopping list. Head to the store and take your kids with you. Teach them about where to find foods in the store to have in all their meals, like fruits and veggies. Also teach them about where to find foods they want to incorporate in moderation. You can even review how to read nutrition facts labels as you pick out new foods.
• Cook Healthy: have the kids put on an apron, wash their hands and help with the meal prep. They will learn about the foods they are eating, and it will help to develop good skills and habits they can take into adulthood.
• Eat Right: Sit down for family meals together, at a table, without distractions. Encourage a no cell phone and no TV rule. Parents, that goes for you, too. Family meals encourage healthy eating habits and foster good family relationships.
• Establish Healthy Habits: As we know, kids model a lot of their behaviors after their parents. So, one of the best ways to help your kids establish healthy habits is by setting a good example. Follow MyPlate (myplate.gov) and fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, make at least half of your grains whole grains, choose lower sodium options, choose water over drinks with added sugars, and choose fat free or low-fat milk.
• Get Moving: Regular physical activity is vital to overall health. And for kids, it can do even more than keep them healthy. Not only does it promote healthy body weight and strengthen muscles and bones, it can support learning, develop social skills and build self-esteem. Pre-school aged kids should be active all throughout the day. Older children and adolescents should have AT LEAST 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.

Getting kids to eat right can be difficult. It may help to consult a Registered Dietitian; they can assist you in ensuring your child is getting the nutrients they need by developing a meal plan that is tailored to your child and family. If you feel like this would be helpful, check eatright.org and “find an expert” or ask your pediatrician for a referral to a Children’s Dietitian.