Teach your kids healthy eating habits
Parents play a big role in shaping children's eating habits. That's why it's important to lead by example and show your kids a healthier way to eat.
Nutrition
Family meals are a good way to strengthen new eating habits and create a comforting ritual for both parents and kids. It's helpful to include children in deciding what to make for dinner. Talk to your kids about what makes a balanced meal and what are healthy alternatives to less healthy food options.
Tips for choosing a healthy diet
. Eat a variety of foods
. Eat plenty of grains, vegetables and fruits
. Avoid saturated fat and cholesterol
. Choose a diet moderate in sugars; Consider healthy sugar alternatives when possible
. Children need calcium and iron as they grow, choose foods that meet their body's requirements.
Cane Sugar Alternatives
Xylitol and Erythritol are great substitutes for cane sugar. They are both low in calories, slowly metabolized in comparison with sugar and do not contribute to weight gain. Xylitol and erythritol can be used in place of any recipe that calls for sugar. Learn more in our recipes section.
Oral and Dental Health
When considering your children's health, and what they eat, it's also important to recognize the benefits of using xylitol. Studies have shown that gums and candies sweetened with xylitol reduce tooth decay, as well as stop or reverse existing cavities. It's recommended that children and adults use 6-7 grams of xylitol per day to get the maximum protection against tooth decay.
Another benefit of xylitol is its ability to prevent inner ear infections. Children and adults who chew xylitol gum on a regular basis are less prone to ear and upper respiratory infections. Studies have shown that xylitol prevents the growth of bacteria in the eustachian tubes (auditory tubes or pharyngotympanic tubes) which connect the nose and ear.
Exercise
Experts suggest an hour of physical activity daily for most children. Children who get the exercise they need generally are
. Less stressed
. Keep a healthy weight
. Build and keep healthy bones, muscles and joints
Exercise should not be a punishment. Team sports are a good way to get kids physically active, but if they're not interested in sports there is other activities they can do. Children can enjoy cycling, skateboarding, swimming, Yoga, hiking, Tai Chi and many other activities. It's important to talk with your child and respect their interests.
References:
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/Publications/child.htm
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/nutrition/childhood_nutrition.html
http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/habits.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/exerciseforchildren.html
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/Publications/child.htm
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3033904
http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/P_Xylitol.pdf
Uhari M, et al. (1998). A novel use of xylitol sugar in preventing acute otitis media. Pediatrics, 102(4): 879-974.
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