In the News - October 2008
Children follow parents' lead in choosing nutritious food
MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Children can be tempted by unhealthy treats at the fair,
but a parent's responsibility to provide and teach proper nutrition is not just
a one-day thing: it is a 365-days-a-year task.
Children develop certain eating capabilities step-by-step throughout the
growing-up years, says Robbie McKinnon, extension agent with the University of
Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The parent's job is to preserve those
capabilities and to teach others.
The parent should model wise nutritional choices:
- Help children expect only healthy treats, such as
string cheese or all-natural rolled fruit snacks.
- Make freshly prepared, unsalted and unsweetened foods
the norm.
- Make veggies fun by offering guacamole, yogurt or
cheese sauce for dipping.
- Offer water so that the child's body systems will run
smoothly.
- Refuse to purchase junk food.
- Use only 100 percent fruit juice with no added sugar or
artificial colors.
McKinnon encourages parents: "You have a golden opportunity to influence your
child's lifelong eating habits."
For more information about proper nutrition, contact your local county
extension agent or visit www.uaex.edu.
The Cooperative Extension Service is a part of the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture.
October 3, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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