Kids Nutrition

Attention Moms of the world. Every morning start your kid needs a perfect meal right out of the gate and give he or she a really good multi vitamin with their first meal. Also, some bodybuilding supplements are ok for kids, such as meal replacements, vitamins, protein bars and flax oil.

Childhood Obesity of Epidemic Proportions

Keeping your child healthy is no easy task.  Childhood obesity and type 11 diabetes has become of epidemic proportions in many Western Societies.  Overweight kids and teens are at high risk for developing other serious diseases, such as heart disease and certain cancers.   It used to be that Western Society was concerned with the plight of childhood nutrition in the less-developed world, but now they must pay close attention to their own problems with their own kids.

Many kids, because they feel stressed from school, after-school activities, peer pressure, and family relationships, together with their busy lifestyle, fall into the trap of poor eating habits.  They may skip breakfast, buy lunch from vending machines, eat fast foods, or grab whatever is in the refrigerator.

What is Fast Food

Fast food is quick, convenient, and usually inexpensive. They are available almost anywhere that sells food and snacks.   Vending machines and drive-thru restaurants are probably the most common places for kids to buy fast food.  It is so popular because for under $5.00 you can usually get a meal that is satisfying.  But a hidden price comes with this, because it is usually made with cheaper ingredients such as high fat meat and foods that contain lots of unhealthy fats, which are associated with heart disease and other serious problems. 

We are not saying that kids should never eat fast-food, but rather, they should limit the amount of times they indulge in this type of eating.  Also, when eating in these establishments, try to make healthier, more nutritious choices.

Healthier Choices

Choose foods that are broiled over fried, such as a grilled chicken sandwich instead of fried chicken or chicken nuggets.

Choose soups that are not cream based and low in sodium.

Have low-fat salad dressings instead of the full-fat kind.

Have a salad or soup instead of fries.

Use mustard or ketchup instead of mayonnaise, or if available use fat free mayonnaise.

Order smaller entrée portions in general.  For example, instead of a large sub, try a small sub with a side salad or piece of fruit, or a whole grain pita pocket.

Order small side orders, such as a small fry.  A large fry has 540 calories and 26 grams of fat, but a small fry has about 60% less fat and calories.

When ordering a sub or sandwich select meats like turkey or grilled chicken instead of fried items, such as a burger or steak and cheese.  Again, if possible opt for a whole grain pita pocket.  This is a more nutritional choice.

Healthy eating and physical activity do not become habits overnight.  It takes time and effort to adapt to a healthier lifestyle, so don’t hesitate—start today and begin to reap the benefits that will jump-start you on a healthy excursion into adulthood.