"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."

The Healing Effects a Vegetarian Diet has on your Post-Baby Body

The breastfeeding vegetarian diet doesn’t vary all that much from the pregnancy vegetarian diet. Protein recommendations are the same, vitamin B-12 recommendations are higher, and the recommendations for iron and calories are lower than during pregnancy.  

But the key in ensuring your healthy vegetarian diet is also helping you recover from the stresses of giving birth and taking care of your newborn is healthy fats. Healthy fats and oils play active roles in every stage of the body’s healing, building, and maintenance processes. In fact, they are as important to an active individual’s body as amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. Healthy fats and oils help convert light and sound into electrical nerve impulses, remove potentially toxic substances from sensitive tissue, and provide strength to cell membranes.

The key is in balancing fats from a variety of foods. All foods that contain dietary fat contain a combination of fatty acids-the chemical building blocks of fat. Learning about the mixture of fatty acids in your diet will help you figure out how to choose foods with the good fats and avoid those foods that contain the bad fats.

For healthy fats, look to monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These can readily be found in a variety of vegetables, oils, and nuts, such as avocados, almonds, and olive oil. These help your body to resist attack from free radicals, which are specially formed types of atoms that can damage your body’s cells when they react with DNA or cell membranes-better than other fats and thus are less prone to stick to your arteries.

Polyunsaturated fats occur in food either as omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids. The key to eating healthy polyunsaturated fats is to maintain the right balance of omega-3 acids-found abundantly in flax, walnuts and canola oil-with omega-6 acids, found in vegetable oils such as corn, safflower and sesame.

3 Reasons Why You Should Feed Your Baby Organic Baby Food

Are you a new parent?  If you are, you may be looking for safe and healthy foods to feed your baby.  When doing so, you will find that you have a small number of options.  Unfortunately, a large number of baby foods currently on the market cannot be considered completely natural.  If this causes you concern, you may want to take the time to examine organic baby food.

As nice as it is to hear that organic baby food is safe and healthy to feed your baby, you may be looking for reasons why you should do so.  After all organic food is known for its increased prices.  There are many first time parents who wonder if the cost is truly worth it.  After a close examination, you will see that it is.  In fact, there are at least three reasons why you should feed your new baby organic baby food.

1 – Organic Baby Food Is Healthy

The health reasons are just one of the many reasons why organic baby food is ideal for babies.  As previously stated, many food products designed for babies cannot be considered completely natural.  This is because many companies add in unhealthy sugars and other additives.  This is not the case with organic foods. 

Although there is no scientific proof, there are many individuals, including parents, who claim that organic food can help to improve a child’s health, as well as their behavior now and in the long run.  Despite the lack of scientific proof, many parents are not willing to take the chance.  Another impact has to do with recalls.  Whether it be recalls on toys, food, or clothing, parents are concerned with companies following all government restrictions to the letter.  Many wonder if a toy manufacturer can put too much led in a toy, can too many chemicals make their way into baby food?

2 – The Options that You Have

Another one of the many reasons why all parents should consider feeding their babies organic baby food is because of the options that they have, in terms of flavors.  Unfortunately, many parents mistakenly believe that choosing organic foods limits the number of foods their children will be able to consume.  Yes, this is true in some cases, but you may be surprised how many flavors and different variety food are available for babies and other small children.

As an example of having an option, in terms of organic baby food, Earth’s Best Organic is a well-known supplier and product manufacturer of organic foods for families.  In terms of their jarred baby food, which is ideal for infants, they have flavors that include apples, carrots, bananas, peas, sweet potatoes, and pears.  It is also important to mention that these flavors are only for jarred baby food.  Organic formula, rice cereals, and other snacks can be made organically as well.

3 – You Can Make Your Own Organic Baby Food

As previously stated, organic baby food does cost more than traditional foods.  This is due in part to the extra steps that must be taken to ensure that all foods are organic, including certification.  Although many grocery stores and organic food stores, both on and offline, offer sales and discounts, the costs may still be too much for many parents.  If it is for you, you can still feed your baby organic baby food by making your own.  In fact, you may be surprised just how easy it is to do so.  All you need to do is find homemade baby food recipes and make sure that you use organic fruits and vegetables.

As you can see, there are a number of reasons, three of which were outlined above, why organic food is great for babies.  If you are concerned with your child, their health, and the ingredients found in many common foods, organic baby food should be examined.  In addition to jarred baby food, there are also companies that sell organic food that is designed for toddlers.  

Choosing a Baby Toys by Age

Babies are strange and wonderful creatures... but often, they're just strange! It can be utterly perplexing to try and figure out why they ignore mirrors, balls and the TV... but are fascinated with a piece of cellophane or a patterned piece of fabric. They do get more understandable as they age - but if you'd like to avoid many wasted baby toys and dollars, it's best to understand the theory of age-appropriate toys early. For babies, toys are more than just a way to pass the time since they don't have to do the dishes or work - they're vital to the development of intelligence and a sense of self. Here we created an ages-and-stages guide to baby toys to demystify the whole process.

Baby toys for 0-3 months old

At this stage, a baby's best toy is really their parents! They don't have much of a grip or any fine motor skills to speak of, so your involvement in their play is vital. However, you can help that development along with tools:

• Mobiles: For those times when she's going to sleep or just waking up, a mobile on the side of the cot is a great thing to have. Mobiles encourage pattern recognition, hand-eye coordination and a sens of 'object permanence'. A toy mobile that plays music is best.

• Music: Both ordinary old adult CDs, kid's music and toys that play their own little ditties are great for building neural pathways at this age.

• Contrasting and colourful items: Items with high-contrast colours or black and white get a lot of staring time!

Baby toys for 3-6 months old

All the toys that your baby's relatives bought for her after she was born will start to come into circulation and use at this age. Grasping and interactive play starts to become a reality, so choose baby toys like:

• Books: Some babies love books, some couldn't care less. It's a great time to introduce them and see what your child thinks, though.

• Rattles and soft toys: Anything that makes noise and has a simple reaction to using it is good for babies at this age

• Nursing necklaces: Many babies (including mine!) love to pinch Mum or Dad's chest and neck while they're feeding. A nursing necklace is a great alternative toy to the skin of your collarbone...

• Mirrors: The mirror stage of development comes at a different time for all babies, starting from around now.

Baby toys for 6-9 months old

Babies are getting much more interesting, and interested, at this age! Choose baby toys that offer little challenges - but not too great, or your child just won't bother. Look for the toys like:

• Stacking blocks, cups and boxes: If your baby can't do it herself, show her how

• Bath toys: Anything that squirts, can be read or floats is good at this age

• Musical toys: If your baby can figure out how to make the music of their baby toy play, they'll love it

Baby toys from 9-12 months

Your little one has almost graduated from their first year of life; these are the baby toys that most children are into at this age:

• Push and pull toys: push and pull toys that don't need to be walked around are most practical

• Dolls: Kids start to be a bit more imaginative with their use of dolls at this age, moving beyond just biting and bashing them!

Babybuds is one of Australia's leading online gift retailers specializing in quality and affordable baby gifts, baby toys, baby clothes and bouquets. To give beloved friends and family a gift for their child that they will truly appreciate and for easy selection and delivery, Babybuds has all that you could need. Find great baby toys now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mathew_Striger

Parenting Tips to Help You Raise Your Firstborn

Parents wonder about the type of life that their kids will have when they grow up. This is even more difficult when raising your eldest child. Through the right parenting tips, you can ensure that you raise your sons and daughters the best way that you can. Below are a few best parenting skills that you can consider to discipline your kids and to give them the best future that they deserve.

Plan your pregnancy.
Good parenting starts as early as conception. Ensure a healthy pregnancy by taking multivitamins, eating healthy foods, taking enough rest before and after pregnancy. It is very important that you stay away from a harmful lifestyle. Do not smoke. Do not drink alcohol. Keep yourself aware of your health status and always keep in touch with your doctor so that he can help you in the formation of good health for your children.

Give your kids healthy food.
Breast feeding is best for babies under 6 months. It builds up your kid's immune system against illnesses. As they grow up, give them a balanced diet. This will provide all the essential nutrients that they need to keep themselves healthy.

Let them be.
Most first-time parents end up being too stiff with their parenting style. Do not be scared to let your kids experience pain. They need to feel discomforts in order for them to realize the importance of behaving well. Let them enjoy nature on their own. Encourage them to play with other kids. This will not only develop their self-esteem, this will also improve your social skills.

Play with them.
Do not underestimate the important of playing with your kids. During the toddler stage, children love to be with their parents. Take this as the perfect opportunity to bond with your kids. When they become teenagers, they will find comfort in their peers and would want to go out of the house as often as they can.

Be their own teacher.
Parents should serve as an example especially during the toddler stage. Toddlers are like sponges. They absorb everything that they see and hear. Therefore, it becomes very important that you set yourself as the perfect example for your teachings.

Consider these best parenting skills as a guide in raising your firstborns. The first time can be the toughest but the good thing is that you learn the most effective parenting tips based on experience and that you get better as you go along.

How to Raise a Boy

Good parenting can be huge challenge especially to new parents who are raising a boy. Unlike girls, most boys are difficult to handle and discipline. They are not only more active, they also have the tendency to be more secretive. In this article, we will share with you a few best parenting skills that can help you raise wonderful boys. These best parenting advices are not only going to guide your style as a mother or father, it will also develop better relationship with your kids.

1. Boys have slower brain development. Boys have slower brain development than girls. During the early stage, most boys have a hard time using their fingers affecting their grip on objects like pencils or a pair of scissors. This also creates an impact on their learning abilities. Experts suggest that parents can delay school for boys for up to a year.

2. Boys are hyperactive. Most boys have bursts of energy dying to be released. Unlike girls, they would run around and shout aloud. It is very important that you give them enough physical space to zoom around. One good parenting tip is to encourage your boys to take up sports so that they can put their energy into good use. More than just that, being active in sports also gives them the chance to enhance their character.

3. Boys are prone to separation anxiety than girls. The common mistake that most parents make is that they think that boys should not be given enough attention. Parents should shower little boys with as much love and attention that they show their daughters.

4. Boys are inclined to act without thinking. They act first before thinking about the consequences that they are bound to face later on. Because of this mantra, a lot of boys get into trouble more often than girls. A very small and simple thing can trigger fights, most of which physical, between boys. The best way to handle this situation is to talk to them in a friendly and calm manner.

5. Boys can be very sexual. Many parents dread to face this issue but attending to your boys' sexual curiosity is a very vital aspect of parenthood. Good parenting includes being able to carefully explain the topic of sexuality to growing boys in a clear and non-malicious manner. Ensure to explain to them the differences between like, love, and lust. Teach them to become gentlemen and to treat girls and women properly.

Best parenting can be a huge challenge but with the help of effective parenting advices and by building open relationship with your kids, there's no reason why you cannot succeed in highly-respected men in the future.

8 Tips for Good Parenting Skills

They say that parenthood is probably the most difficult task that you can encounter in your entire life. Good parenthood is a huge challenge. We all want to be the best parents we could ever be to our kids. But no matter how hard we try to be the world's most successful mom and dad, we always feel that we're not good enough.

Effective parenting styles vary from one parent to another. We have listed down 8 tips for good parenting that can help you improve your skills as a parent and hopefully enhance relationship with your kids as well.

1. Always be there. Kids especially those in their toddler stage want and need the physical presence of their parents. No matter how busy work seems to be, always allot some of your time to be with your children.

2. Listen. Bear in mind that “being there” is very different from “being there physically.” When they have something to say, don't just hear them, listen to them.

3. Support your husband or your wife. To be good parents to your kids, you need to be a good partner to your husband or wife. Whether or not you live together, find a set-up that's favorable to you, to your partner, and to your kids.

4. Feel free to disagree appropriately with your partner. Teenage parenting is one of the hardest stages of being a parent. Naturally, you would want to raise your kids according to how you were raised by your parents. Disagreement is normal in parenthood but it is how you resolve the differences that matter the most.

5. Know the people in your child's world. Find time to know your kid's teachers, dentists, nannies, and everybody who interacts with your little ones.

6. Always find time for play. One of the best ways to develop instant connection with your kids is to play with them. As mentioned, every kid longs for physical bonding. They want to be with their parents as much as possible. Wrestle with them. Read stories.

7. Be a good example. Kids, especially those in their toddler stage, are like sponges. They absorb almost everything they see. Set yourself as a good example.

8. Hug them and tell them that you love them as often as you can. A mother's touch does magic. A simple hug or a kiss before they leave for school can make them feel special.

Yes, to have best parenting skills may be a challenge. It is a long learning process. You learn as you go along so equip yourself with effective parenting advices.