Research indicates some startling facts about the eating habits of today's children: Only 6.8% of kids consume the recommended five half cup servings of vegetables and fruits each day, and fruit juice accounts for 36% of that consumption, More than 79% of children consume more total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than recommended.2

How can you help control what your kids are eating Exercise a little “environmental control."

Be a Role Model. Your kids are likely to imitate your behaviors. By incorporating fruits and vegetables into your own diet, you can help your kids make healthier choices.

Serve vegetables with every cooked meal. If your kids hate carrots, serve squash. If they hate squash, serve broccoli. Offer a variety of vegetables, and eventually your kids will start asking for their preferences.

Keep fruits and vegetables cut up and accessible in the refrigerator for snacking. If it is quick and easy, your kids will be more likely to eat it.

Refrain from buying high fat snack foods. When your kids beg for salty snacks, keep, pretzels and baked tortilla chips on the shelf in place of potato chips and cheese curls.

Environmental control is one of the many health and weight management skills we teach participants, in our program. Ask a member of our staff for more information.

'American Journal of Health Promotion (19 14; 84:814 818)’
‘Journal of the American Dietetic Association (IM951127 1133)

1997 Health Management Resources, Boston MA

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