RECENT POSTS
Preventing Childhood Obesity: Promoting Healthy Eating Habits In Children
Childhood obesity is on the rise in America. Research suggests that parents have a significant impact on the eating habits of their children. Parents who teach their children how to eat healthy, and model those healthy eating behaviors in themselves, can help their children maintain a healthy weight now – and as adults. A balanced diet should include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. In addition, refined grains and foods high in sodium and sugar should be consumed sparingly. Parents who eat a healthy, balanced diet will encourage good eating habits in their children.
Reduce the intake of sugary drinks
One major culprit contributing to childhood obesity is sugar-sweetened drinks. Consuming too many sweetened drinks and sodas has been linked to increased rates of obesity in children. Replacing sugary drinks in your child’s diet with water can go a long way to preventing obesity. A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics revealed that children who drink plenty of water are actually 31% less likely to be obese. In addition, parents should limit their child’s salt intake, as high sodium intake can cause dehydration and can lead to hypertension.
Parents need to set a healthy example
Children learn behaviors from the adults in their lives. That is why it is so important to model the behaviors you think are important for your children to learn. The eating habits your children learn now, when they are young, will likely stick with them for the rest of their lives. By serving as a role model to your children, you can provide them with the tools they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle when they are adults. The following tips can help you inspire positive eating habits in your children:
- Eat Healthy! We’ve all heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” Well, it is especially true with children. When your children observe you enjoying a variety of nutritious foods in healthy portion sizes, they will learn these behaviors for themselves.
- Be Active! Get outside and be active with your children. When you go to the park with your children, don’t just watch them play – join in!
- Stay Positive! Making negative comments about your body or your weight teaches children that their body’s appearance is more important than their body’s health. Positive self-talk also encourages positive body image and higher self-esteem!
Pita Jungle’s kids’ menu which complies with recent government recommendations (https://www.nutrition.gov/), helps children learn that eating healthy can be fun, too. Our kids’ menu allows your child to choose one item from each of the following groups:
| Vegetables Cucumber slices Steamed broccoli Spinach Steamed Carrots | Grains and Carbs Brown rice Corn Garlic potatoes Pita bread Macaroni & cheese Pita crisp Pasta with marinara |
| Protein Turkey Hummus Chicken Lentils Tofu | Fruits Choice of chopped seasonal fruit |
Each kids’ meal comes with a kids’ drink. Your child will also receive an activities sheet filled with games that only add to the fun! Visit a Pita Jungle near you to do your part to teach your children healthy eating habits – and to model smart eating behavior for your children. At Pita Jungle, parents can choose from a variety of Mediterranean, Greek, Lebanese and Middle Eastern menu items that offer a healthy and nutritious way to inspire good eating habits in your children.