Many families look to the new year as a time to reset their eating habits and focus on making healthier choices. However, adults aren’t the only ones who could use a menu refresh as children may also need to focus on healthier food choices. Consider these low-sugar ideas for meal and snack times to help control the amount of added sugar you and your family consume.Refresh Your Child’s Diet with Low-Sugar Options![]() (Family Features) Many families look to the new year as a time to reset their eating habits and focus on making healthier choices. However, adults aren’t the only ones who could use a menu refresh as children may also need to focus on healthier food choices. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed children consume an unhealthy amount of added sugar every day. Researchers found nearly all of the toddlers in their study ate an average of 7 teaspoons of added sugar daily – the equivalent of a candy bar. Additionally, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, excess sugar consumption can lead to an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. “Small children have small stomachs,” said Courtney Hines, a nutritionist for KinderCare Learning Centers, which care for more than 165,000 children around the country every day. “You want them to fill up on nutrient-dense foods, not empty calories in the form of added sugar. When children consume lots of sugar, their palates get used to overly sweet flavors. They may not accept other, less sugary flavors or learn to appreciate the natural sweetness of a piece of fresh fruit.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against the consumption of added sugar for children under the age of 2. Children ages 2-18 should aim for less than 25 grams, or 6 teaspoons, of added sugar per day. For families that want to cut down on the amount of added sugar in their diets, Hines recommends cooking more at home, relying less on processed, packaged foods and serving only water or milk for beverages. Consider these low-sugar ideas for meal and snack times to help control the amount of added sugar you and your family consume. Dip Smart
Swap Out Syrup
Snack Sweet
For more ideas to introduce your children to healthy habits from a young age, visit kindercare.com. SOURCE:KinderCare
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“With morning sickness, gassiness and managing the pain of swollen joints, feeling good during pregnancy can be a challenge for any woman,” says Elizabeth Somer, registered dietitian and Vitamin Packs Medical Advisor. “The good news is, there are lots of things you can do to maintain a healthy diet and feel as good as possible during your pregnancy.” In this article, Somer shares nutrition tips and the top nutrients to help you feel your best and support your health during pregnancy.(BPT) - If you’re like most expecting moms, you’ve already heard that a healthy, whole foods diet is best for you and baby, one that features plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains and lean proteins. However, many expecting moms are also battling nausea and indigestion, especially during the earliest stages. That can make the idea of eating nutrient-dense, high-fiber foods less appealing. All the while, it doesn’t make you worry any less about getting all the nourishment the two of you need. “With morning sickness, gassiness and managing the pain of swollen joints, feeling good during pregnancy can be a challenge for any woman,” says Elizabeth Somer, registered dietitian and Vitamin Packs Medical Advisor. “The good news is, there are lots of things you can do to maintain a healthy diet and feel as good as possible during your pregnancy.” Somer shares nutrition tips and the top nutrients to help you feel your best and support your health during pregnancy. Manage through morning sickness Not long after you celebrate your pregnancy, morning sickness may settle in while your energy levels really start to lag. You can thank the surge of new hormones going through your body. At the same time, you may be concerned about getting enough folic acid (vitamin B9), as this is an essential nutrient that supports the baby’s brain and spinal cord development. While nausea can dampen anyone’s desire to eat, it’s important to make sure you’re still nourishing your body. Try eating smaller meals throughout the day, don’t lie down after eating, and always take your prenatal vitamins with food. Choosing the right vitamins can help, too. Prenatal vitamins from Vitamin Packs are made with organic ginger and a more absorbable form of vitamin B6, helping to ease your upset stomach and nausea. Get the nourishment you and baby need Somer recommends every expecting mother take a multivitamin during pregnancy, starting with a quick online assessment on VitaminPacks.com/prepostnatal/. Your medications, diet and health concerns will be factored into your personalized selection of supplements, so you can be assured that taking them will be safe and effective during this critical time. You also can pull from their online library to get more information about any of their supplements. And, if you have any further questions or concerns about getting your nutritional needs met, a consultation with a nutritionist is just a phone call away. You deserve the best foundation of nutritional support that’s personalized for you and baby. Mind your portions After you get past that challenging first trimester, you’ll most likely be more in the mood to eat. Remember, weight gain is perfectly normal and healthy. In fact, you will need to consume extra calories to support the changes and development taking place inside your body. By the time you’re ready to give birth, your blood volume can go up as much as 60 percent, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Even so, steer clear of the “eating for two” mindset. Too much weight can worsen your health, and keep you from feeling your best, especially if it leads to gestational diabetes and other serious health conditions. Talk to your doctor and take the advice on how many calories you should consume in a day. Eat your fish During pregnancy, your baby’s brain is undergoing rapid development. To support this, opt for foods that are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, especially during the second trimester. Common foods that contain these good fats are fatty fish, such as mackerel, salmon and herring. If the idea of eating fish makes you queasy, there are vegetarian sources available in the form of algae DHA omega-3 supplements. Choose plenty of fruits and veggies There’s a bounty of nutrients and micronutrients found in produce that can help mother and baby in numerous ways. Antioxidants found in dark colored produce, such as blueberries, broccoli and carrots, support the baby’s brain health. Plus, eating fruits and veggies is one way to stay hydrated and relieve constipation (which is all too common during pregnancy). Get ready for motherhood by taking on a healthy mindset and a nourishing diet. You and your baby will both reap the benefits! KEYWORDS
For most kids, summertime means months filled with playing in the sun, swimming at the lake or baseball in the park – but for many, the start of summer marks the end of regular access to nutrient-rich foods including basic staples like milk that help their bodies and minds grow strong.When School Is Out, Kids May Be Missing Out On Essential Nutrients![]() Feeding America® and The Great American Milk Drive makes it easy to pour more milk for local kids in need (Family Features) More than half of kids 9 and up fall short on essential nutrients they need to grow strong – calcium, vitamin D and potassium. In fact, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans identified them as nutrients of public health concern because many Americans, including kids, are not consuming enough of these nutrients.¹ When school lets out for summer, that risk may be even greater for over 22 million kids who are served by free or reduced-price meal programs during the school year. For most kids, summertime means months filled with playing in the sun, swimming at the lake or baseball in the park – but for many, the start of summer marks the end of regular access to nutrient-rich foods including basic staples like milk that help their bodies and minds grow strong. Although some programs like the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) help to deliver meals when school is out, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP) do not reach children during the summer months. “Milk is the top food source for calcium, vitamin D and potassium – three of the four nutrients kids are most likely missing,” said Dr. Tanya Altmann, best-selling author and nationally recognized pediatrician. “With 9 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein per serving, milk is an easy and affordable way to provide key nutrients to children who might otherwise go without them during the summer months.” There is a nationwide need for nutrient-rich milk That’s why, Feeding America® – the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization – has partnered with America’s dairy farmers and milk companies to help provide more fresh, nutritious milk to children in need through The Great American Milk Drive. Since it began, the program has delivered more than 1.5 million gallons – that’s more than 24 million servings – of fresh, nutritious milk to Feeding America’s nationwide network of 200 food banks. More than 46 million Americans – including 12 million children – rely on Feeding America each year and food banks cannot always meet the demand – especially in the summer months, when they are even busier. “When people think about kids and summer, they think of carefree days spent having fun, but for those whose families struggle with hunger, even basic staples like milk may be missing,” said Andy Wilson, Chief Development Officer at Feeding America. “Our food banks do everything we can to provide nutritious foods to families in need. Thanks to The Great American Milk Drive, many of our food banks are now able to provide more highly-desired milk during the summer months.” For as little as $5, you can help deliver a gallon of nutrient-rich milk to children in need in your local community. Visit milklife.com/give to learn more about the need for milk in food banks and how you can help feed a childhood with milk this summer. ¹ U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Appendix E-2.1. First Print, 2015. MilkPEP KEYWORDS
Parents spare no expense giving their child the best, even if that means spending $200-plus a month on diapers and formula. The findings of a survey reveal a need for more affordable baby essentials that don’t sacrifice quality for price.
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