A new study released by Yale shows that marketers are using characters, athletes and toys/games to entice children to purchase their food products.

Here is what the study found:

• Foods that were not very healthy or had a lower nutritional value had more kids’ marketing on their packaging
• 71% of packaging involved licensed characters, with 57% of those aimed at  children younger than 12 years of age
• other kinds of promotions, such as athletes, sporting events, toys and games, increased from 5% of the total in 2006 to 53% in 2008

Are we surprised by this?  We know and marketers know that kids are attracted to visual cues that are fun and colorful.  Using characters and games appeals to kids.  We were kids once, we know this!

This is why we have to fight FUN with FUN!  Nutrition games and characters that represent nutrition is one way to engage children and keep their attention so they enjoy learning.  We don’t mind doing things that are fun and kids are the same.

Join us in spreading the word to other parents and schools that nutrition is fun.  Let’s work together to introduce kids to characters that promote healthy eating and help put more FUN into nutrition.

Free Resources:

Chef Solus and the Explorers Nutrition Stories

Fun Nutrition- Kids’ Food Pyramid Games

As we come to the end of February, National Heart Health Month here are some great tips to keep in mind all year long.The American Heart Association’s top ten ways to help kids develop healthy habits.  This should sound pretty familiar, but it is always good to have a reminder.

If you are doing all of these, don’t worry.  What’s important is to start making changes now and gradually change.  Pick one item on the list and work on that.  Set a goal and be positive.  Remember, it takes time to change our habits and every positive change is a step toward a healthier child.
Here are the top 10 tips for helping children develop a healthy heart -  drum roll please!

1. Be a positive role model.  Kids are little sponges and absorb your habits.
2. Be active as a family. Here is some “Being Active” tips and ideas.
3. Limit screen time.  For more help, read “how to limit TV time”
4. Find activities that kids like to do.  Here is a list of ideas.
5. Be supportive.  No nagging please.
6. Set Goals and limits.  Here is a list of kid friendly goals and tracking sheets
7. Avoid rewarding kids with food
8. Make dinnertime, family time.
9. Make it fun to read food labels.  Here is a fun game for kids to learn how to read food labels.
10. Stay involved.  Make healthy choices a priority for the family.

Source AHA

Michelle Obama speaks out on the new initiative “Let’s Move”

Let’s Move will give parents the support they need, provide healthier food in schools, help our kids to be more physically active, and make healthy, affordable food available in every part of our country.

We support Michelle Obama and our President 100%.

Healthy Choice Resources

Fun Healthy Goals and Tracking sheets

Nutrition Games and Tools for Kids

Nutrition Tools for Parents

Nutrition Tools for Teachers

I attended the Network for a Healthy California earlier this week in Sacramento, CA.  This meeting was attended by predominantly schools from around California who are providing innovative ways to promote nutrition to children.  I think what really impressed me is their commitment to making nutrition education part of their curriculum.  With all the budget deficits, cuts to program funds and to teachers, they continue to work together and share ideas and resources so children can learn the importance of healthy living.

Their studies are showing that teaching children about fruits and vegetables and healthy choices is making a difference.  It was exciting to see such a positive impact and very motivating to keep doing the work we do here at NourishInteractive.com to support them.

I was happy to be able to attend and share with them our free nutrition tools and games.  Schools are actively looking for resources to help them bring nutrition and exercise into the schools despite limited funding.  So please, take the time to pass on our website to your child’s school.  We are here to help them and rely on word of mouth to spread our resources.

You can print out this flyer and drop off to your child’s teacher or principal.

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.

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!

The Children’s Fruit and Vegetable Act of 2009 was introduced to Capitol Hill on December 16th.  This bill essentially would require all elementary schools to offer a salad bar as part of their lunch program.

Research has shown that having a variety of fruits and vegetables in the cafeteria significantly increases the amount of fruits and vegetables kids eat.

We also have learned that kids will be more apt to try new items when a variety of fruits and vegetables are offered.

This makes sense.  Kids, just like us, need variety and have personal likes and dislikes.  A salad bar would give them a nice array of choices to meet most kids preferences.  Getting kids to eat more fruits and vegetables is so important for a balanced and healthy diet.  Unfortunately, most kids don’t get the required amount of these foods which means their body is not getting the nutrition it needs to be healthy, fight diseases and build a strong immune system.

We know that schools across America are trying to find ways to offer better, healthier foods but are strapped by their current budget.  We need to step up and support them.  Kids are the future of our country.

The Child Reauthorization is happening in early 2010 and important decisions about funding, food quality and requirements will be decided.  You can make a difference by contacting your local congressperson.

Tell congress you want healthy school lunches for kids

More resources and information about this campaign.

Other resources for creating a healthy lunch for your child

Get the kids involved in easy and fun “back to school healthy lunch food” ideas

Put a smile on your child’s face at lunchtime with fun printable healthy lunch cards

Tips on handling the picky eater’s school lunch- healthy school lunch foods for kids

Simple solution to get kids eating their school lunch.

Back to school – help kids make healthy food choices in the school cafeteria