Growing Healthy: Nutrition

To complement the best fitness routine, Growing Healthy provides nutrition education to encourage healthy eating habits.

National data show alarming rates in overweight and obesity among children.  9 million children are currently overweight.

Today's culture includes easy access to high-calorie foods, decreased opportunities for exercise, and increased interest in sedentary activities such as watching TV, playing hand-held or television game systems, or sitting in front of the computer.  Busy families rely on convenience foods or fast food restaurants where portions are large and nutritional content is lacking.

By focusing on healthy eating and being active, a healthy body will emerge!

A registered dietian, who is also a mother of four children, will teach healthy eating habits through good food choices as opposed to following a "diet"  Children will learn that there are no forbidden foods; all food can be included in a healthy diet when you pay attention to portion size.  The focus will be on choosing nutritious foods most often and empty-calorie foods less often.

Children will receive various hand-outs on nutrition throughout thier Growing Healthy session that can be used in the home, placed on the refrigerator for reinforcement, ect.

Parents will be taught how to serve healthy snacks and meals and supported in creating healthy eating habits in their home.

The goal of Growing Healthy is to make healthy eating fun, easy and effective for each and every child/family.

Topics include:

What is and how can I use the Food Guide Pyramid?

Moderation and Balance in Food Choices

Fruits and Vegetables-More Matters

Whole grains-why they are important and how to increase intake

Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day

Healthy snacks and home environment

Beverage choices and hydration

Reading food labels

Dining out and keeping holidays and special occasions healthy

How can I modify my favorite recipes and where to look for healthy recipes?

The importance of calcium for bone density/bone health

The end result: Healthy Habits, Healthy Body Image and Confidence!!