News for Parents.org - What are your kids eating?

We don't just bring you the news — we encourage you to talk about it. News with a View is the place to read editorials and share opinions about what matters to you. As parents, you want to be informed. As parents, you can inspire action. As parents, you can help change laws, influence policies and share important issues with others. And as parents, you can make a profound difference.

News For Parents.org is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families by bringing parents the news that matters, and giving parents the forum to talk about relevant issues, exchange tips and ideas with other parents...and even help create change. Have an opinion you want to share? We want to hear from you.

Editorial

Food for Thought: What Are Your Kids Eating?

If we are what we eat, who are our children? On an average day, my kids are typically some combination of macaroni and cheese, chocolate graham crackers and sugary soda. No, I'm not proud. I buy healthy foods. I eat healthy foods. I cook healthy foods. But, somehow, macaroni and cheese always finds its way to their plates.

A recent study in the May issue of the Journal of American Dietetic Association explored associations between children's eating habits and obesity and found "no associations...between meal patterns and overweight status in children." However, researchers admitted that further research is needed to better understand the impact of dietary intakes on the increasing numbers of children who are overweight and at risk for obesity.

My kids are lucky. They are not overweight. In fact, my junk-food loving 7-year-old is below the national weight average for children his age. But not all children share Ben's inexplicable metabolism. And there's more to healthy eating than preventing obesity.

Healthy eating promotes healthy bodies. Parents don't need an advanced degree in food science to know that there are more vitamins in bananas than banana flavored cupcakes. That it is healthier for our kids to drink water than diet soda. And that fruity jelly beans don't count as one of the food groups. The question is: What can we do?

Many parents feel frustrated and helpless. We want our kids to eat well, but find it hard to serve healthy foods to "picky" toddlers, school-age kids who want to eat what their friends are eating, and teens who seek quick and easy "on the go" foods (often with names of preservatives they can't even pronounce).

What do you do to promote healthy eating habits in your home? What works? What doesn't? Share your experiences, concerns, and suggestions. We want to hear from you.