Building the Best Lunch To keep your children’s bodies and brains in peak performance mode and to safeguard against the ravages of unhealthy foods, be sure your child powers up with a nutritious lunch. The three basic building blocks for the best lunches include: Healthy protein Fiber-rich carbs, to include at least one serving of […]
In an attempt to evaluate the scientific efficacy of various interventions to boost intelligence in young children, researchers recently identified three effective strategies. For this evaluation intelligence experts did a comprehensive review of the best published studies. They noted the following IQ boosters: Supplementing the diets of pregnant women and newborns with omega 3 supplements […]
Here are some of the studies I reviewed relating to children’s health: In a study involving 312 middle school students, those with the highest fitness levels had the best grades and scored higher on standardized tests. (I have no doubt that the quickest and most powerful way to improve academic performance is with school-based exercise […]
As a mother of 4, I know that getting kids to eat their veggies can be a challenge. Here are some tips that have proved effective in my household. Go stealth. Shred veggies (or buy them already shredded) carrots, zucchini, cabbage, broccoli, etc. and add to meatloaf, spaghetti sauce, lasagna, and baked goods like muffins Add canned pumpkin or […]
Raising a healthy eater can sometimes be easier said than done. Here are my top 5 tips for raising a healthy eater: Be a healthy role model. Make sure your home is a haven for healthy eating. Sit down for family meals as often as possible. Always use positive language and an upbeat, cheerful attitude […]
Cardiovascular researchers recently presented some alarming and ominous scientific findings that should be a huge wake up call for all of us, especially parents. For the report, scientists evaluated the presence of seven cardiovascular risk factors in a representative sample of 5,547 American teens between the ages of 12 and 19. The data was particularly […]
In a study that included 479 school age children followed for 30 months, those with the lowest vitamin D levels at the beginning of the study gained weight more rapidly and accumulated dramatically more belly fat (the most dangerous type) than the children with a normal vitamin D status. ( American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November, […]
As a family physician, nutrition expert, and mother of 4, I am delighted to share my top picks for the healthiest snacks for kids. Cut fresh veggies (baby carrots, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, broccoli/cauliflower florets, etc.) – serve along with a “healthy dip” like hummus, low-fat salad dressing, guacamole, or salsa. Low-fat yogurt – […]
