Childhood obesity is taking front and center stage on the show, The Biggest Loser.

This week, each child was visited at home by the trainers.  Talking with the families about their habits and how to modify the family's choices would be the most impactful in helping children.  Addressing childhood obesity is a family matter.  Focus on habits, not on weight.

Here are some tips for the whole family:

• Help children understand that their stomach is small.  The size of their fist!  How much food can you fit in your tummy.  Teach children the importance of portion control when at home and away from home.  
• Teach children about foods that need to be eaten every day like fruits and vegetables.  And foods that should only be eaten once in a while like sweet treats.
• Have your children help make their lunch or at least participate in planning the meal.  Use the food plate to help them make a lunch that has a food item from each of the food groups.
• Keep your cupboards and refrigerator stocked with healthy foods that make great snacks.  Clean out the junk foods.  Out of sight, out of mind.
• Use fun opportunities to promote nutrition to the whole family.  Have the children spend a little of their computer video game time playing some games that promote healthy messages and healthy foods.  Visit Solusville, the healthy neighborhood.
• Have kids practice their reading by reading food labels.  If the box has lots of chemical words in the ingredients section, teach kids that processed foods are filled with nonfood items.  Buy foods that are made of real foods.
• Out with the soda, even diet soda.
• Be active as a family.  Don't promote exercise, promote fun activities that gets their body moving.
• Be your child's best advertisement.  They see you every day!

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