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This is not a diet -- it is a lifestyle change

With the kids heading back to school, now is the perfect time to recognize the significant role that parents play in establishing good eating habits and healthy lifestyles within a family setting. Parents influence not only what foods to eat, but also about how often and how much to eat. From elementary school to high school, making wise food choices and staying active are good practices that are best learned from the most influential role models around: mom and dad.

Because healthy eating strategies work best when the entire family takes part, the new school year is the perfect time to start making some changes in eating and activity habits. You may be pleasantly surprised by the fact that children are more open to change than expected.

Here are some tips from Weight Watchers for keeping your kids healthy as they head back to school:

Elementary School:

Give them a head start on division. Whether packing a lunch, buying at school, or eating dinner with the family reinforce what a balanced meal looks like. For example, a balanced meal consists of about half fruits and veggies, a quarter lean meats like turkey; and a quarter of whole grain, such as whole grain crackers, tortilla chips, or bread.

Pack some excitement. Choose foods that vary in color in texture; from bright red cherry tomatoes to golden yellow cheese. Be creative with simple extras like using a cookie cutter to make unique sandwiches. And vary the menu with themes, such as Fiesta Wednesdays. Soft tacos are just as easy to make as a sandwich if you buy tortillas and prepared ground beef or grilled chicken from the store - along with your favorite toppings.



Copyright 2010 The New Era, Parker, South Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 The New Era Parker, South Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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