22 Apr How to Be Part of Every Kid Healthy Week™ – NYC Dietitian Tips

In April, schools and families can participate in Every Kid Healthy Week™, a week that celebrates improving children’s health and wellness to improve children’s learning outcomes. There is a direct link between wellness, physical activity, nutrition and learning.

Many of the dietitians on our team are parents, and we understand how difficult it is to juggle busy schedules, healthy eating, and getting enough activity in our daily lives.  It seems like we’re pulled in a thousand different ways, from figuring out carpooling and science fair projects (ugh) to making sure our kids not only remember their packed lunches but also eat them.

How can parents participate in and be part of Every Kid Healthy Week™?

Be a positive role model:

• Make Meals a Family Affair: Meals don’t start when dinner is served. Create a weekly meal plan and grocery list together, shop together, and give your children the chance to participate in the planning, preparation, and cleanup of meals. The more involved kids are, the more likely they will be to eat healthy and be more adventurous in their choices.

• Be Aware of Your Words: How do you talk about your body? How do you talk about others’ bodies? Speak kindly. Avoid negative self-talk. Talk about the great things your body can do. This shows your children how to be respectful and accepting of all body types.

• Be Active Together: Go for walks together after dinner. Go to the park to play catch, kick a soccer ball, go for bike rides. If you live in a city like New York, you can take advantage of museums and art shows. Try geocaching! You don’t have to train for an Iron Man to be active. It’s also a great way to spend time with one another away from all-things-electronic. Kids love time with their parents. Make time to be active together.

• Model Mindful Eating: Teach children to listen to their hunger cues and enjoy food without guilt. This means that, as parents, you must learn to listen to and trust your children. We are big fans of the work of Ellyn Statter’s philosophies on feeding and eating.  (The information below is taken from her page “Division of Responsibility”)

Parent Feeding Responsibilities:

• • Choose and prepare the food.
  • Provide regular meals and snacks.
  • Make eating times pleasant.
  • Step by step, show your child, by example, how to behave at family mealtime.
  • Be considerate of your child’s lack of food experience without catering to likes and dislikes.
  • Do not let your child have food or beverages (except water) between meals and snack times.
  • Let your child grow into the body that is right for them.

Child Feeding Responsibilities:

• • Eat the amount they need.
  • Learn to eat the food you enjoy.
  • Grow predictably in the way that is right for them.
  • Learn to behave well at mealtime.

Not sure where to begin? Connect with a child dietitian on our team. We provide families with nutrition counseling, outpatient eating disorder nutrition therapy, meal plans, and more, tailored to each child’s and family’s unique needs. Learn to eat better as a family, and in doing so, watch your child thrive at school.

No-Fail, Budget School Lunch Ideas

• Veggie Wraps: Whole-wheat tortillas filled with hummus, sliced veggies (like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers), and a sprinkle of cheese. Wrap them up for an easy, crunchy, and colorful lunch.

• DIY Lunchables: Whole-grain crackers, slices of turkey or cheese, and a side of fruit like apple slices or grapes. It’s like a fun, build-your-own snack platter (without all the plastic!)

• Pasta Salad: Whole-grain pasta mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil or vinaigrette. Add some leftover grilled chicken from last night’s dinner or chickpeas for protein.