Nutrition for Families Today

By Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dubuque

Look around you. Take notice of what you and your family are eating. How much physical activity have you participated in today? Our minds are racing while our bodies idly sit. Times have changed. In the past, hard work meant manual labor. Food was basic – meat, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, and milk. Family meals were shared routinely at the kitchen table. We ate to survive. For the most part, our bodies were strong and our minds at peace.

Take a look at lifestyles now. How much television, computer, and electronic game time do children participate in daily. Children’s bodies are consuming more calories, but these can be of little nutritional value. Milk and water are replaced with soda or sweetened “fruit” drinks. Family dinners are replaced by high-fat foods on the run. “Fat free” yet sugar-laden foods prompt a false sense of security. Supersized chip bags provide an bottomless serving size. The risk of children progressing to adult obesity is high. This is not so much an appearance issue as a health issue. We as adults must step in and become responsible for our children’s futures.

Change of mind and body is critical. Inventory your home while making a grocery list. Pick up a food guide pyramid; teach your children what nutritious, basic foods are – whole grain bread and cereals, lean meats broiled or baked, a variety of vegetables, fresh or canned fruit in juice, and milk. Show them what a “portion” size is, often the size of their fist, or count chips to see what a single portion actually measures. Move all meals back to the kitchen table. Limit television time to no more than one to two hours each day. Instead involve children in 30-60 minutes of structured active play and several hours of unstructured play. Limit sedate activities to no more than 60 minutes at a time.

We as adults need to empower our children with the knowledge and the opportunity of healthy nutrition and physical activity. We need to change our eating and exercising while adjusting to this technically advancing world. Empower your children to a long, healthy, happy life.


Nutritional Tip for Parents

“Parents need to educate themselves and then educate their children about the many health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Teaching kids the proper nutritional eating habits while they’re young will get them off to a good start.”
- Kevin Mueller, D.C.