Nutrition News

What Should Our Children Be Eating?
By Dr. Craig Bentham

The stats are in: 30% of children and 60% of adults today are considered overweight or obese. If that figure is not alarming, consider that obesity among children is on the rise. 85% of obese children become obese adults, which puts them at significant risk for developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Obesity in childhood poses a real challenge for parents and dealing with it is often delayed. Obese children suffer from conditions like asthma, hip problems, and type II diabetes, not to mention the social and emotional ramifications. At a time when body image and self-esteem are developing, obesity can have a negative impact that remains with a child for a lifetime. Let's talk about the solutions to this growing problem.

Sugar: The Silent Culprit of Obesity
A recent study published in "The Lancet" (a prestigious medical journal) reports that sugar-laden soft drinks can increase the likelihood of a child becoming obese by up to 60%. There are approximately 5 tablespoons of sugar in one can of soda. On average, kids are drinking 2 to 3 cans a day, equating to 10-15 tablespoons of sugar just from beverage consumption! This kind of sugar intake causes extreme highs and lows in their energy and ability to concentrate. Limit your child's sugars and starches as much as possible, and incorporate healthy carbs (high in fiber) into their diets. That means minimizing foods like bread, pasta, rice, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, corn. The best carbs are complex carbs: dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and asparagus. A great example is to give your child a small whey protein shake for breakfast, some almonds for a snack, and a sandwich with low carb bread for lunch. Other low-sugar snacks include cottage cheese and fruits that end with "berry."

Kids Need Vitamins Too
We must remember that children, because their bodies are growing and developing, require adequate nutrition for the growth process. As a result of soil depletion, we must supplement to get proper nutrients. Please be aware that vitamins like "Flintstone's Chewables" are low in quality and high in sugar content. Your kids can benefit significantly from a high quality, liquid supplement like "Curves Complete". Liquid has a much higher absorption rate and is easier on the digestive system. Just make sure to adjust the dosage based on their size and body weight—a general rule is to cut your serving size in half.

Get Your Kids Moving
Today's techno-savvy kids spend more time on the virtual athletic field than they do on the real turf. Shelve the Play Station for a few days a week, and encourage kids to get involved in team sports and/or outdoor activities. If your child isn't into athletics, activities such as bike and scooter riding, rollerblading, hiking, swimming, or dancing are great, non-competitive ways to get physically fit. Without the sugar, they'll have much more energy for these activities!

Listen To Your body
When you look at the abundance of all-you-can-eat restaurant deals and super-sized fast food bargains, coupled with our high consumption of carbohydrates, it becomes increasingly evident why we have an epidemic of obesity and disease. Keep serving sizes reasonable. Encourage your children to listen to their body and to stop eating when they are full.

By making these small changes to your child's diet, you can make tremendous changes in their life. A low-carb, nutrient-rich diet will help them to maintain a consistent energy level throughout the day; allowing them to focus in school and then engage in physical activity in the afternoon. Obesity is an epidemic that has crept up on us. But it is also one that we have the power to change