Posts in Kids
Physical Activity: Kids Just Want to Have Fun!
By: Jodie Shield, RD The key to getting kids to be more physically active is to focus on the fundamentals – family and fun. The best way to do this is to make sure the entire family is involved. After all, it’s hard for anyone to make changes on their ... more
Read moreDo Kids Really Need Snacks?
By: Jodie Shield, RD Preschoolers have tiny tummy capacities. Teens are eating machines. Three daily meals may not be enough to provide all the nutrients kids require. Because many kids need to eat snacks to help them grow properly and to fill any nutritional gaps, snacks are an important part of your child ... more
Read moreThe New and Improved School Lunch
How to Avoid a Food Fight! By: Jodie Shield, RD Have you checked out the school cafeteria? They’re here – new and improved school lunches. This year the first phase of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act kicks in for public elementary, middle, and high schools. The law requires the USDA to update ... more
Read moreHealthy Take-Along Meal and Snack Tips
By: Jodie Shield, RD Summer vacation is here! But that doesn’t mean your kids should take a break from healthy eating. No matter where your family goes this summer, there are sure to be the usual dietary temptations: hot dogs, French fries, potato chips, and soda pop. Not only ... more
Read moreWater: Go With the Flow
By: Jodie Shield, RD Water is one of the body’s most essential nutrients. People may survive six weeks without any food, but they couldn’t live more than a week or so without water. That’s because water is the cornerstone for all body functions. It’s the most abundant substance in the ... more
Read moreHealthy Birthday Cakes
By: Jodie Shield, RD A birthday party just wouldn’t be the same without a cake. A cake signals that it’s time to sing “Happy Birthday,” make a wish, blow out the candles, and open the presents. But while most birthday cakes are laden with sugar and fat, they don’t ... more
Read moreHow to Plan a Fun and Healthy Birthday Party for Your Child
By: Jodie Shield, RD All foods, even cake, ice cream, and candy, have their place in a healthy diet. That’s the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (www.eatright.org). Kids can eat anything they want in moderation, but they need to compensate for the extra calories elsewhere in there day. One ... more
Read moreHappy and Healthy Brithday Parties!
By: Jodie Shield, RD What makes kids happy at birthday parties? For some it’s the chocolate cake smothered in vanilla ice cream. For others it’s the goodie bags bulging with candy. While these tasty treats are fine to eat every once in awhile, kids can get overloaded with sweets ... more
Read moreParents: How to Promote a Positive Body Image
By: Kids Eat Right Body image is how we feel about our bodies. Whatever their size or weight, children can develop either a positive or negative view of their bodies. Body image disturbances begin as early as preschool, so parents and other adult role models need to play a pivotal ... more
Read moreFishy Business – What’s the Deal With Seafood and Mercury?
By: Jodie Shield, RD In my last blog, you read all about the health benefits seafood has to offer you and your family. But when it comes to mercury and food safety, things starts to (pardon the pun) smell a little fishy. Here’s why. Nearly all fish and shell fish contain traces of methylmercury – the ... more
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Jodie Shield, MEd, RDN