August is 'Kids Eat Right Month. As part of the month long awareness program, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - the United States' largest organization of food and nutrition professionals - highlights the importance of healthful eating and active lifestyles for children and families.
According to the nutrition professional, parents and caregivers can play a vital role in children's nutrition and health, teaching kids about healthy foods, making sure physical activity is incorporated into each day and being a good role model.
The academy also encourages families to take the following steps:
Shop Smart. To encourage a healthy lifestyle, get your children involved in shopping and let them decide their healthy food for breakfast, lunch or dinner table.
Cook Healthy. Involve your child in the preparation of meals. This will help them to get more information about food ingredients and different cooking styles and other important things about food.
Eat Right. Research indicates that those families who eat together have a stronger bond, and children have higher self-confidence and perform better in school. So sit down together as a family to enjoy a meal.
Model Healthy Habits. You can help children form great, healthy habits by setting a good example. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Choose lower-sodium options. Make at least half the grains your family eats whole grains. Choose water over sugary drinks, and opt for fat-free milk.
Get Moving. Regular physical activity is important to strengthen muscle and bones and support learning. Kids are encouraged to be active for 60 minutes per day.