How much attention do you pay to what you put IN your body…in other words, FOOD? As we get older, we start to think about this stuff more and more. The truth is, food adds yumminess to our lives, and it’s no fun to deny ourselves something we want to eat. On the other hand, eating lots of junk food and sweets can make us feel a little gross, and maybe guilty that we’re not being good to our bodies. Somewhere, there’s a middle road, but it’s hard to find it through all the rumors, personal opinions, and fad diets out there. Addressing the growing epidemic of obesity is top priority for many healthcare providers. Physicians who regularly monitor growth and provide anticipatory guidance related to parenting, eating, and physical activity can perform an important intervention in a child’s life.
Serving Size Surprises
If you’ve talked or read about nutrition, you’ve probably heard the term “serving,” as in “Try to get about 3 servings of milk, cheese, or yogurt every day.” This system sounds easy, but when you stop to think about it, just what exactly is a serving? Is it big, small, or somewhere in between? Your idea of a serving might not match somebody else’s.
The following pieces are taken from the Serving Sizes portion of the Ounce of Prevention Materials:
- Healthy Servings for Children 2-3 Years Old
- Healthy Servings for Children 4-8 Years Old
- Healthy Servings for Children 9-13 Years Old
- English – (Color)
- Spanish – (Black and White)
- Healthy Servings for Teens 14-18 Years Old
- English – (Color)
- Spanish – (Black and White)
The following pieces are taken from the Snacks portion of the Ounce of Prevention Materials:
- Snacks From All 5 Food Groups
- English – (Color) (Black and White)
- Spanish – (Color) (Black and White)
The following pieces are taken from the Calcium portion of the Ounce of Prevention Materials:
- Help Your Child Build Healthy Bones and Teeth (1-18 Years Old)
- English – (Color) (Black and White)
- Spanish – (Black and White)
- Sports Nutrition for Active Children
- Sports Nutrition for Competitive Athletes
The 5-2-1-0 Plan to Help Your Child Maintain a Healthy Weight
These handouts are handy references you can use to remind your child (and yourself) the four simple rules about appropriate management of your child’s diet and exercise.
- 5-2-1-0 Handouts