Eating well and feeling good, family-style

It’s well known that childhood obesity is a problem in the U.S. But did you know that by the time they enter kindergarten, 12.4% of American children are already obese, and 14.9% are overweight? It’s never too early to think about healthy eating. The Optimal Weight for Life (OWL) Program is a multidisciplinary clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital, dedicated to treating children who are overweight or obese, and those with or at risk for type 2 diabetes. Read more from OWL staff: A parent’s guide to healthy weight loss in children When it comes to a healthy diet — whether you are making new changes or trying to keep up with a routine — it helps to know where you are going. Having a plan can create the background for staying on track with your healthy goals. Here are some steps to help keep your family eating well and feeling good. Step 1: Follow a low-glycemic diet We often recommend that families adopt a low-glycemic diet, which emphasizes balanced meals and paired snacks, and minimizes juice and sugar-sweetened beverages. A low-glycemic eating plan helps to satisfy appetites by choosing carbohydrates that turn into blood sugar in the body more slowly and combines those slower acting carbohydrates with healthy proteins or fats to make you feel full longer. Some tips for sticking to a low-glycemic diet: Choose an abundance of non-starchy vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, proteins and healthy fats. Introducing new foods to your children can sometimes b...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Health & Wellness diabetes obesity Optimal Weight for Life (OWL) Program Source Type: news