Key Points: Healthy Weight in Preschool Children
Model a healthy lifestyle. Parents and adults should lead by example and serve as role models in healthy eating and fitness.
Model respectful behavior.
- Do not make any disparaging comments about weight
- Create a policy that all people are treated with respect.
Children need at least 1 hour of physical activity every day.
Use things other than food to reward/punish children.
Eliminate the ‘clean plate club’.
Offer a variety of healthy foods.
- Have only healthy food available.
Increase number of fruits/vegetables consumed.
Know appropriate serving numbers and recommended servings for children to plan meals and snacks to meet USDA food guide pyramid recommendations.
Have regular meal and snack times and locations.
Meals should be enjoyable - children should eat when hungry.
Reduce the amount of time you and your children spend in sedentary activities, such as television watching or playing video games.
Encourage women to breastfeed for at least one year.
