Parent Teacher Magazine Cabarrus County Schools May 2014 | Page 10

Give Eating Right a Green Light A special contribution from Novant Health The government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans says everyone age 2 and older should eat a variety from five basic food groups each day: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and protein foods. You should focus on nutrient-rich foods and avoid empty calories. But the advice raises an old question: How do you get kids to eat right? Well, monkey see, monkey do! If kids see their parents eating healthy foods, then they’re much more likely to indulge in fruits and vegetables, too. Many dietitians favor splitting foods into green light, yellow light, and red light groups. Be sure to put green light foods within kids’ easy reach: Green light foods. High-nutrition, low-fat, and lowor moderate-calorie foods kids can eat often: celery, carrots, broccoli, apples, low-fat yogurt, multigrain pretzels Yellow light foods. Nutritious but higher-fat or calorie foods that must be eaten in moderation: meats, enriched breads and pasta, full-fat cheese Other tips: • Trust that when kids are hungry enough, they’ll eat the healthy options you serve. • Don’t use sweets to reward or punish kids. • Set a good example for kids by eating well. • Encourage kids to eat at normal meal times. • Discourage snacking. • Develop a “try it” rule for new foods. • Involve kids in all aspects of nutrition with a family or community garden, at the grocery store, and in the kitchen. Novant Health wants to keep kids healthy. Our boardcertified pediatricians at Novant Health Rowan Pediatrics are here for you. To learn more, visit nhpediatrics.org or call 704638-1550. Red light foods. Foods like cookies, candy, and sugary drinks that have no nutritional value; save these for special treats Discover YOU! Learning about health should be fun! That simple idea is the premise for Discover YOU! Whether it's a fun day with your family or an educational trip with your students, Discover YOU! is the perfect way to LEARN more about how to live a healthy lifestyle. Call 704•827•6770 420 East Central Avenue Mount Holly, NC w