How Parents Can Support Children’s Health

Supportive parenting is still key for curbing childhood obesity.

With the recent signing of a “sweeping overhaul” of child nutrition standards in the United States, children will now have greater access to nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, as part of their school lunches.

However, in the efforts to curb a childhood obesity epidemic, it’s important to not forget the greatest influence in promoting a child’s healthier future: parents. Supportive parenting continues to be key in setting a good example for children and encouraging healthy habits—here are five strategies that parents can adopt:

5 Tips for Keeping Kids Healthy

1. Eat more family meals prepared at home. Home-cooked meals tend to be more nutritious than meals eaten on-the-go, and are more likely to include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Aim to eat at least 5 meals prepared at home each week.
2. When you can’t avoid eating out, help your children make healthy choices. Teach them to choose more nutrient-dense foods, such as fruit or salad as a side instead of fries, or milk instead of high-sugar sodas.
3. When it comes to choosing snacks, help your kids choose wisely by avoiding snack foods that are high in sugar, fat, and sodium. Instead of potato chips, which are nutritionally bankrupt, have them select a piece of fresh fruit, loaded with vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber. Also, take advantage of IsaLean Shakes and Bars as convenient ways to make sure kids get the nutrients they need without all the extra calories and sodium.
4. Help your kids become more active. Limit sedentary activities such as watching television, playing video games, and using the computer. Encourage them to pick outdoor activities that will keep them moving, such as bicycling, or have them participate in a sport that they enjoy.
5. Don’t forget IsaKids Essentials! A quality multi-vitamin can work to bridge nutrient gaps by helping fulfill daily requirements of vitamins and minerals that are necessary to maintain good health.

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