***Reprinted from Kaiser Permanente's "Partners in Health" quarterly news to help you thrive.
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR KIDS FIT
* Kids need to play hard for 60 minutes a day. They can break up the time into two or three
periods, before and after school.
* Remove the TV from your child's bedroom.
* Help your child eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Have cut-up fruits and veggies
ready for an instant snack.
* Eliminate sodas which contain up to 18 teaspoons of sugar per serving. Limit juice drinks to no
more than one small cup a day. Encourage water to quench thirst.
* Switch to low-fat (1 percent) or nonfat milk starting at age 2.
* Be a good role model: Let your child see you eating your fruits and vegetables and being active.
* Make meals a family time. Have conversations, not TV time.
HELP YOUR KIDS HELP THEMSELVES
> Kids who eat breakfast every day do better in school and weigh less.
> Whole grains, fruit, and low-fat dairy products are great breakfast options. Try low-fat mild and
whole-grain cereal, whole-grain toast with peanut butter, or low-fat yogurt and a piece of fruit.
> Limit soda and juice drinks to no more than one can or cup per day. Read the label to make sure
you're serving 100% whole juice.
> If your children eat lunch at a school cafeteria, guide them in making good choices. Brainstorm
ways to include some healthier foods in their meals, like packing fruit and veggies to go with the
cafeteria pizza.
> Keep a bowl of washed fruit and veggies front and center in the fridge.
> Serve smaller portions in smaller dishes to avoid overeating.
For more tips, go to kp.org/children
