I was one of over 100 million people watching the Superbowl!  Superbowl is not only known for the exciting AFC vs NFC championship game but it is also well known for its unique commercials.

In fact, the commercials are one of the highlights that people actually look for and judge for uniqueness and cleverness!  So I also watched these commercials, but for a slightly different reason.

We know that among those 100 million + viewers are  a great deal of children.  It is estimated that over 17 million children watch the Super Bowl every year.

What type of commercials are being marketed during the superbowl? What food marketing are kids seeing during the Superbowl? What are the most clever, well viewed  and appealing commercials being shown to kids?

Well, here is what we promoted to children:  beer, cars and fast foods among the most popular commercials

Did you notice there wasn’t one healthy food commercial?  If we really want to make a difference in children’s mind, we have to change our priorities.  Isn’t there room for even one healthy foods commercial?

It’s clear that you can’t rely on the media to help promote healthy eating to  kids.  But parents, you are still the most powerful advertisement.  Your food choices and attitudes about healthy eating will still have a very big impact on your child’s choices and habits.

So use these special occasions, family gatherings and holiday events to promote fun and healthy eating to kids.  With a little imagination, it can be a lot of fun to eat healthy!

Super Bowl 2010 Ads:

• Anheuser-Busch InBev (Biggest Super Bowl Advertiser with 5min. of beer ads)
• Bud Light Super Bowl Commercial 2010 Light House
• Michelob ULTRA Super Bowl Commercial 2010 Little Bumps (Lance Armstrong)
• Audi Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Boost Mobile Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Bridgestone Super Bowl Commercials 2010
• CareerBuilder Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Cars.com Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Census Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Coca-Cola Super Bowl Commercials 2010
• Denny’s Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Diamond Foods Pop Secret Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Dockers Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Dodge Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Doritos Super Bowl Commercials 2010
• Dove Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Dr Pepper Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• EA Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• E-Trade Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Flo TV Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Focus On The Family Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• GoDaddy Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Google Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• HomeAway Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Honda Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Hyundai Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Intel Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• kgb Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Kia Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Miller High Life Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Monster Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Motorola Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Paramount Pictures Movie Super Bowl 2010 Ads
• Snickers Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Taco Bell Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Teleflora Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Universal Pictures Movie Super bowl 2010 Ads
• Universal Orlando Harry Potter Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Vizio Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Volkswagen Super Bowl Commercial 2010
• Walt Disney Pictures Movie Super Bowl 2010 AdsIsn’t there room for even one healthy foods commercial? Share your comments below!

Resources for fun healthy eating for kids:

Healthy foods kids’ nutrition games -fun games that teach kids about healthy eating

Family tips sheets -printable nutrition tip sheets for parents

Fun kids healthy eating stories and activities -Chef Solus and the Nutrition Explorers teach kids about nutrition with fun stories and activities

Parents’ colorful healthy eating tools- Interactive online tools for parents- BMI calculator, meal planners, food label reader and more!

I just read a very colorful  little book called, “H is for Healthy Diet” by Keith Turner.

Kids nutrition book

This mini book is packed with good information and tips about healthy eating and why it is important.  It is great book for older kids to read for themselves.  I think parents can also use this book to review key nutrition messages with the younger child.  There are lots of food image and cartoon illustration to help reinforce the message.

Some of the key points I really liked in the book are:

• the visual examples of what is a healthy breakfast:  one at home and one for the on the go breakfast
• the visual example of the difference in portion sizes, one for adults and one for children
• the examples of what foods are low energy foods (unhealthy foods) and what exactly is healthy foods

Kids are open to receiving healthy messages when they are presented in a positive and especially fun manner.  Really, no different than adults.  We all enjoy learning about things that are presented in an interesting way that keeps our attention.  Books are a fun, colorful way to introduce healthy choice concepts.

For more information about this book, you can go to their website -Parents and teachers will find several books written for children in this series- Health/Nutrition, Safety, Hygiene and more!

I was not paid to share this information.  If I find something I like, then I am always happy to pass it on to you.  Happy Reading.

There has been a lot of debate about the the different kinds of sugar put in many popular foods consumed by children.  In particular, there was been a lot of concern about high-fructose corn syrup.   I think it is important to look at the ingredients on food labels but if you don’t know what you are looking at, it can be a bit confusing.

So here is the 101 on sugar and the food labels:

Glucose:  This is the basic molecule of sugar.  The converts the foods we eat, breaks it down to glucose, so that it can be used by the body for energy.

Fructose: This is another basic molecule of sugar but it comes from fruits naturally.  Fruits are high in fructose but when eaten whole you get lots of other vitamins, fiber and nutrients.   But when you drink fruit juice, you are getting a lot of the vitamins but the fructose (sugar)  is concentrated in the juice.  This is why it is recommended that a child only get one serving of their fruit requirement from juice.  It is much better to get the rest of their fruit from whole fruits.  Another way to look at it, you would have to eat several pieces of fruit to get the same amount of sugar as one glass of juice.

Sucrose:  This is the plain white sugar that comes from sugarcanes or beet roots.  This is usually a combination of glucose and fructose sugar.

Lactose:  This is the sugar found naturally in milk.  Some people who can’t tolerate milk are allergic or have an intolerance to the lactose.  There are now lactose-free milk with the same amount of calcium as regular milk.

High-fructose corn syrup: This is a man made sweetener that is a combination of glucose and fructose.  The problem with this syrup is it is a very easy and cheap to make so food manufacturers can easily add this to their foods.

There are many studies that indicate the more sugar you have in your diet, the more your body will crave it.  I know, for myself, I have weaned myself off of adding sugar to my foods or coffee.  I did it gradually so it wasn’t too hard for me to get used to less and less sugar.  I have noticed that my taste buds are now much more sensitive, so a little bit of sweet goes a long way for me.

It’s better to teach your children to enjoy fruits and cereals and other foods without adding sugar.  Look for foods that say “no sugar added”.

Other resources:

Guidelines on how much fruit juice is okay for kids to drink

Learn about our free healthy food pyramid games for kids!

Learn about our healthy food pyramid games for kids

I just read an article that talked about the misleading claims on food packaging.  This was a hot topic at the Childhood Obesity Conference last June because marketers are finding ways to make their brand sound really healthy! When in fact, their claims are misleading.  How is the average consumer to know?

According to this article, here are the six meaningless claims found on Food packaging to watch out for:

• Lightly sweetened:  This may be found on cereal packages.  It sounds like there is very little sugar, right?  What does that really mean?  There is no regulation on what can be termed “less sugar”, compared to what?  When shopping for a cereal for your child, look for cereals that have the five-five rule.  Five grams or less of sugar and Five grams or more of fiber in a serving.  Now this may be harder to find, but at least you have a guide.
• A good source of fiber: But are these foods providing fiber that naturally comes from whole grains, legumes, vegetables or fruit?  Some food manufacturers are adding what is called “isolated fibers” which have not been shown to have the same health benefits.
• Strengthens your immune system:  Read carefully.  Immune systems need a variety and balance of vitamins and minerals that work together to build a good immune system.  This comes from natural fruits and vegetables and a balanced diet from foods from all five food groups.
• Made with real fruit: What you want to look for is 100% real fruit juice.  And even then, fruit juice has a lot of sugar, so children should be limited to one 6oz glass of 100% juice per day.
• Made with whole grains:  Again, you want 100% whole grains.   Otherwise, it may have some whole grains but it can also have lots of refined or processed grains.  Check the label.  It should be the first item in the ingredients list.
• All natural: All I can advise is to read the label.  It could be full of high fructose corn syrup.  We know what real “natural” foods are.  They usually don’t come in a package.

For more help, here is a fun way to learn how to read food labels

Free printable “health food claims”  guidelines

Food Claims article

Quick Food Label printable – take the grocery store for quick reference

Healthy shopping list

Other blogs on food labels:

Food labeling systems

Smart Choices food labeling system

A new study published in Pediatrics was conducted using McDonald’s menus.  The research showed that when parents were provided with calorie information, they chose foods that were about 100 calories less per meal.   The study surveyed 99 parents of 3-6 years.  The researchers showed parents food items, half with calorie information and the other half without calorie information.

• On average, parents with calorie information would select a meal that had 102 calories less than if they did not have the calorie information

• An interesting side note, in this study there was no difference in the food choices parents made for themselves.

This is obviously a very small study and there is a lot of press discussing how this study is really hopeful in fighting childhood obesity.

I personally think this gives mixed results.  I am not trying to down play the importance of calorie information because I do believe that it will be helpful.  I have written several blogs on this topic and even I, myself, have changed my menu choices when I saw the calories!  So I do think menus should show the calories.

But my concern is that kids are learning from their parents, we are the role models.  So if this study shows that parents continued to choose high calorie foods despite the fact they chose a lower calorie option for their child, I think that is a big red flag.  Eventually when the child becomes more independent, they will probably choose food items similar to their parents’ choices.  AKA high calorie foods!

The child may also resent that they are given a “lower calorie option” while their parents are eating the higher calorie foods.  This could make them want their parents’ food choices even more.

So, my take away is simple.  Changing a child’s food choices and helping them form healthy habits starts with the family making a commitment to eat healthier.  Changing habits as a family doesn’t have to be this awful, depriving experience.  Gradually changing choices and setting small goals is the best way to change habits.  And finally, celebrating each small step towards a healthier lifestyle.

Here are more tips on how to work with kids to set goals and track changes, all in a fun and positive way.

Free Cute Friendly Goal Contracts

Free Kid Friendly Tracking Sheets

Do we need an electronic plate to help kids learn to eat healthy food portions?  According to a new study published in the British Medical Journal, a new computerized “plate” is more successful in helping overweight children and teens lose weight than standard treatments. Also see below for strategies to try at home that don’t require an electronic plate!

Essentially, this new device is an electronic plate that weighs food and gives feedback on how fast or slow kids are eating.  It is teaching them at the table to eat slower and put less on their plate.  The device plots a graph showing the child, the rate at which food actually disappears from the plate, compared to the ideal graph programmed in by a food therapist.

The study found the overweight kids that were participating in this study tended to eat larger portions very quickly. There is a couple things we know.

• The body takes about 20 minutes to tell your brain, you are full.  So if you it too quickly, you may be full, but not really know it yet.  So you eat more.
• The more you put on your plate, the more you tend to eat.

What can you do to help teach your kids to slow down and eat healthier portions?

Eating slower tips:

• Talk as a family during meal time.  When you are talking, you are not eating.  So it slows down the eating time.
• Teach kids to take a bite and then put their fork down.  This helps kids take a pause instead of eating one bite after another.
• Teach kids to take a sip of water in between bites.
• This might sound extreme, but announce the start of dinner (i.e. 5pm is dinner)  and let kids know that you will sit together and talk and eat for 20 minutes.  In other words, help kids realize that this is not a rush or race to “finish and then go do something”.  This is part of family time.
• Teach kids that it is healthy for the body to eat slower so that your brain has time to know when you are really full.  Kids are smart and learn fast.
• Take a look at your own eating habits, lead by example.

Smaller portions:

• Use 6 inch plates or the “salad plate” for dinner.  Kids are less likely to put the same amount on a 6 inch plate versus an 8 inch plate.
• Place smaller serving utensils on the platters.  Instead of a large serving spoon, how about a spoon that is larger than a tablespoon.  Even a tablespoon can work.
• Ask kids to put only one serving on their plate to start.  If they are still hungry, they can always put a second serving afterward.
• Cut up meat (you can usually ask the butcher to do this for no extra charge) into 4 ounce servings.
• Place larger serving spoons for the vegetables and fruits.  We want the kids to eat more of this healthy, low calorie food!

Serving Size and Portion Information-Resources from Nourish Interactive:

Healthy Serving for Kids

Portion Size Reference Guide

Healthy Nutrition- Food Games for Kids

I wanted to share with you a recipe contest that is open to all  7 and 8th graders.

Our partner, Healthy Kids Challenge, is hosting a Stirring Up Health™ National Middle School Recipe Contest.

March 13, 2010         Entry deadline
April 9, 2010             Contest winners notified
May, 2010                Chef for a Day visit or prizes
June, 2010               Contest results posted on HKC Web site

To read more about the entry rules, click here.

Good luck and Happy Cooking!

Keep Your Heart in Check
Heart month is coming up; get a healthy head start by having your family’s cholesterol checked. High LDL has been linked to an increased risk for heart attack, so make an appointment to be screened this Monday!

Mondays are a great day to renew Family Health vows. Every Monday, you will find some healthy tip to help your family start the week off on a Healthy Note!
Thanks to Healthy Monday organization for sharing their Monday tips.

New childhood obesity study from University of Montreal indicates that how close a child lives to a convenience store promotes childhood obesity.

Well, it makes sense.  Convenience store carry food items that are processed and usually high in fat and/or sugar.  Do you go to a convenience store to buy fruit or vegetables?  Well, no, because they don’t really sell that.  So what do you get at a convenience store?  slushies, chips, candy, soda, cookies…

Another study done in urban areas found that kids who lived near convenience store purchased:

• On average, the students spent about $1 and purchased 356 calories of snack foods and drinks each visit.
• Chips, candy, sugary beverages and gum were the most frequent purchases

It is probably not a good idea for kids to go to these convenience stores to buy their snacks.   But in all honesty, even if you had a grocery store full of fruits and vegetables at the corner, would your child go there and still buy the processed high calorie food?   And of course the older a child is, the harder it is to control their “away from home” eating habits.  This is very true.

That is why it is so important to help kids develop healthy habits and a love for healthy foods while they are young and have not formed their habits yet.  That is what we are all about.  Helping parents and educators teach kids about healthy eating and activity while they are still young and just starting to form habits.

This could be a very good healthy goal for your child and family to work on.  It can be as simple as having one healthy snack a day!  Simplicity and fun are the key to helping your child be successful.  Children like to do things that are positive and they feel successful.  Don’t we all?

More resources to help kids eat healthy snacks:

Healthy Kids Snacks Agreement

Healthy Kids Snacks Fun Tracking Sheets

Take the Healthy Eating Challenge Article

Healthy Summer Snack Foods For Kids Article

In my last post I discussed some tips on how to help kids to be active as a part of a daily lifestyle.

To build on that, I wanted to talk a little more about exercise.

There are three kinds of exercise that important for your child.

1.  Aerobic exercise for the heart:

You will often hear that kids need moderate to intense exercise (aerobic activity). Activities that raise our heart rate are moderate to intense depending upon how much it raises our heart rate.  This is important for all of us because our heart is a muscle and it needs exercise too.  When we do activities that raise our heart rate, we are essentially making our heart exercise.  We also breath harder when we are doing aerobic activity and this is good for the lungs.

Here are some examples of moderate activities for kids:

• Walking briskly
• Swimming
• Bicycle riding
• Tennis (doubles)
• Hiking
• Skate boarding
• Roller blading
• Ice skating

Here are some examples of intense or vigorous activity:

• Race walking
• Playing tag
• Martial arts
• Skipping
• Swimming laps
• Tennis (singles)
• Fast paced dancing like dance revolution
• Cross country skiiing
• Jumping rope
• Field hockey
• Hiking uphill

2.  Kids also need bone strengthening activities.

These are activities where we we essentially putting weight or force on the bones.  This is important because it stimulates our bones to be grow and be strong.

Activities that produce impact on the bones (usually from the ground) include:

• Running
• Jumping Jacks
• Hopscotch
• Jumping rope
• Skipping
• Potato sack race
• Hopping on one or both feet
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Hopscotch
• Gymnastics
• Hip hop dancing

3.  Finally, kids also need muscle strengthening activities.

These are activities that make muscles small and large do more work than usual.  For adults this is usually accomplished from weight lifting or resistance exercises.

Common muscle strengthening activities for kids include:

• Push ups
• Rope climbing
• Tree climbing
• Sit ups
• Climbing trees
• Playing tug of war
• Monkey bars
• Wheel barrel races

You can see that many of the activities listed can actually fall into all three categories.  The important thing is to help kids find activities that keep them moving around and having fun.  When kids are actively playing they will naturally do activities that help the heart, muscles and bones grow healthy and strong.

Activity family agreement

Activity printable tracking sheet

Fun Activity for kids

Get the kids moving!

Limiting kids TV time