The good health of our children is vital, yet children in wealthy countries are showing increasing signs of poor diet that lead to conditions such as furred arteries and type II diabetes.
Nutritionists consider it very important that children eat a healthy, balanced diet, as lack of a good diet in their formative years may affect their health later on. A survey published recently showed that 92 percent of children are eating too much saturated fat — that 83 percent consume too much sugar — and that 50 percent had too much salt in their diet. Dentists are also concerned that the enamel on children’s teeth is being eroded by carbonated drinks which cause acidity in the mouth.
Children as young as two are being targeted by companies that make fattening food. Little children shopping with their mothers want to buy food that is endorsed by their favourite cartoon characters. Certainly, attractive packaging and special toys to collect are very appealing to small children. As a busy mother leading a hectic life, it is easy to give in and buy something to keep your child happy, even though you know that it is not the healthiest option.
There is a great debate taking place as to who should take responsibility for the eating habits of the young. Should advertisers and marketers take more responsibility and not target the very young, or is it the responsibility of parents and schools? The probable answer is that we have a collective responsibility to take care of the health of children but it is a real challenge getting them to eat healthy food, often requiring great commitment and tenacity.
Sometimes you will feel like a mother alone against the multi-billion dollar food industry, but teaching children good habits early is the secret to long-term success. This means making meal times relaxed and fun, using colourful presentation and simple, fresh ingredients.
For more ideas on healthy eating for the very young, e-mail [email protected] for a fact sheet.
Join Me in My Weekly Task
Cut out sugar in your tea or coffee, or at least halve the amount you put in.
Why? If you have one teaspoon of sugar in your tea and drink 6 cups a day, you have clocked up 108 calories.
How? Try to give up all sugar in drinks for a week, and after that period you will get used to the true taste of tea or coffee.
Low Fat Recipe of the Week
BBQ Summer Vegetables & Rice
Serves 6
Ingredients
1 tsp. olive oil
55 g chopped onions, or chopped green onion
45 ml balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 medium yellow summer squash cut into 1.5 cm rounds
1 medium green zucchini cut into 1.5 cm rounds
1 medium eggplant cut into 1.5 cm rounds
370 g cooked rice
Method
Place first six ingredients in a bowl and blend thoroughly to make a marinade. Add the squash, zucchini, and eggplant to the marinade. Marinate for at least 10 minutes. Place vegetables on the grill, turning regularly and brushing with extra marinade. Cook until brown on each side. Serve over cooked rice. If desired, use part of the leftover marinade as a sauce.
Ask Alva
I want to lose at least 15 kilos... I would like to know if there are any video cassettes available for aerobics and also if brisk walking for 45 minutes will help me lose weight? What other exercises that can be done at home? How good is skipping and cycling for losing weight? Dipti
You could find a range of aerobic videos at your local video library, but be warned, most of them are pretty tough going! If you get one, don’t be afraid to stop when you feel it is getting too much for you. The walking you are doing sounds pretty good, but skipping and cycling are both good too. I would like to suggest that you do my Mini-morning workout. I think you will find it useful to do this at home every morning when you get up! If you e-mail me [email protected] I can send you a copy of the workout. Of course exercise is not the sole solution, as you need to follow a healthy diet as well. Alva
For all your weight concerns and questions e-mail Alva Carpenter at:
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