Kids & Nutrition

Here are some numbers for you to think about that I found on various sites online. In 2006, 8.7 million children were without health insurance coverage for the entire year, 55% of children lived in counties that the air pollutants were above allowable levels, 17% of children ages 6-17 were considered overweight compared to 6% in 1979-1980, only 35 % of boys and 14% of girls get 100% of the RDA of calcium in their daily diet, and intake of low nutrient dense foods that include; soft drinks, candy, desserts, salty snack foods account for over 30% of the total daily caloric consumption of kids aged 8-18. Those are just a few stats to give you an idea of what is going on. Based on the mentioned statistics the kids need our help. Obviously times have changed with regards to physical activity and out of convenience we tend to buy more processed foods. I have a child in grade school and I have yet to hear about any kind of physical fitness testing. I remember taking those phyical fitness tests...ugh! It was a pain, however, it reminded me to keep active and at what level I was currently at and where I needed to be. I also remember gym class happening every day vs. a couple times a week which seems to be more the norm now. What does all this mean? Well, I think that we need to be an example as parents. It is recommended that we take in up to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day and I know that most of us "adults" are not getting that in and that means our children are not as well. We need to stress the importance of breakfast to our children. I like to explain it to my child by saying that if we were to get into the car to go to the store and there was no gas in the tank would we make it to the store? The answer everytime is NO. Then how can we expect our bodies to function at an optimum level if we do not give it the necessary fuel to "get moving" in the morning? Breakfast is the most skipped meal and yet it is the most important meal. We should be eating like kings in the morning! If they do not like to eat a big breakfast than you can find foods that are easy to transport like making them a meal replacement shake, whole grain cereal in a baggy, cereal bar or bagel. Its also recommended that you take a multivitamin to help you meet those daily requirements. There are plenty of choices for multivitamins out there for adults and children. Find the one that's right for you. If your not sure ask your doctor. Remember children love to be like "YOU" and If they see you eating than chanes are they will want to mimic your behavior and you will both start the day out right. Its a good idea to "plan" the night before your activities for after school. Include homework time, a physical activity, reading and a well balanced meal. One of the activities my child enjoys doing with me at home is a pilates video. It gets us both off the couch and pro-active about our health & fitness.
Statistics found on childstats.gov, NCHS & CDC, USDA

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Nicole Geisen
Herbalife Independent Distributor
www.herbal-nutrition.net/all-wayshealth
www.nicoleshealthyherbs.com