"Clean Your Plate" Is Not Always The Way To Go For Healthy Kids

According to obesity researchers, the United States obesity rate has more than doubled for preschoolers and adolescents-and more than tripled for ages 6 to 11-over the past 30 years. Obese children are at greater risk for health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, and often carry these problems into adulthood.

So, how do parents help children, and the entire family, eat healthier, both at home and away-from-home?  "Talk to your pediatrician, family doctor or registered dietitian to determine the healthiest weight goals for the entire family," said nutrition expert Jenifer Bland-Campbell, "then make a plan to tackle the issue."

She offers these tips to help parents help their families eat more healthfully:

      ·         Eat at least one meal together daily, at regular intervals to discourage snacking.
      ·          Prepare healthy dishes for the whole family, not just special foods for an overweight              child.
      ·        Don't use food as a reward, comfort or punishment.

•          Watch portions. "Clean your plate" is not always the way to go.
•           Eat slowly. It takes almost 20 minutes for the brain to register that the body is full.
•           Encourage water or skim or 1% milk instead of high-calorie, sugary drinks.
•          Getting kids to eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits each day will not be      easy, but focus on the colors to make it more fun. 
•           Use low-fat or fat-free dressings, mayonnaise and dairy items at home as if they are      the full-fat versions. Kids will take your cues. Ask for the same items on the side            when eating away-from-home.
•          Take the stairs. When you go shopping, park the car farther away from the store and      walk.
•           Limit television, video games or computer time.
•          Replace mayonnaise and cheese on burgers or sandwiches with catsup, mustard or        barbecue sauce.
•          Stick with items that are baked, broiled, steamed or poached-not fried.
•           Ask for nutritional information when eating out.
•           Look beyond the children's menu, often limited to fried, high-calorie, high-fat                foods. Split one healthier adult entrée between two children.
•          Ask for a takeout container and put some of the food in before you eat.
•          Ask that bread, beverages and tortilla chips be served with the meal, not                        beforehand.

"Parents can help children reach wellness goals by first making healthy changes at home, then teaching kids what to do away from home," said Bland-Campbell. "Healthy eating does not happen overnight, but children take cues from their parents and will learn behaviors over time."

Good Parenting Tips For Single Moms

Without any doubt, parenting is considered as one of life's hardest tasks. It even doubles, sometimes even triples, in the case of single mothers. However, that does not mean that single moms have less chances of raising wonderful kids. With the right parenting style, you can improve your relationship with your children and turn them into successful and well-disciplined adults in the future.

Below are good parenting tips that can help single moms in raising their children.

 Organize. Organization plays a big role. Planning your weekly menus and weekly groceries in advance allows you to save up a lot of money. It also gives keeps you more focused on the more important aspects of parenthood. In my case, I always ensure that my kids eat a healthy diet all the time. Every Sunday, I come up with healthy yet easy-to-cook menus that I can serve my kids for the whole week. This does not only keep my boys healthy, it also saves my time. I no longer need to worry about what to cook for each meal. I just follow the weekly menu.

 Communicate. Communication is very important especially when your kids reach their teen years. One common mistake that most parents make is the failure to listen. Bear in mind that being physically there for your child does not necessarily mean that you understand him. Teenage parenting can be a huge challenge. Reading good parenting tips may help but in the end, it's all about how you handle your own situation.

 Relax. It may not be easy being a single mom but this should not stop you from finding time for yourself. Indulge yourself every once in a while. Do not be afraid to meet new people.

 Budget. One of the downsides of being a single mom is that you have no one to share expenses with. This is why budgeting for single mothers is very important. Budget expenses ahead of time.

 Find a support group. It helps if you find a group who you can turn to whenever you need them. They can be your family, your girl friends or your colleagues.

Parenting is a huge challenge but always bear in mind that everybody is capable of raising wonderful children. Single parents should stay positive and remain strong all throughout. Do not hesitate to seek for effective parenting advices. You don't always need to find a good partner because you can surely be the world's best mother even when you are on your own. The good parenting tips above will