Talk to Your Kids About Food Servings

Many kids are eating too much. For the first time in history doctors are finding childhood diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and joint problems. Kids need to eat right if they are going to have long and healthy lives. Share these food serving facts with your kids and grandkids.

* Read the serving size on the label first because it may not match Us Government Food Pyramid serving size. (Usda, "Food Portions and Servings: How Do They Differ?")

The Food Pyramid

* Many shoppers think the label serving size is the recommended amount, but it is not. This estimate is based on the product's nutritional analysis. (Mayo Clinic, "Lose Weight With proper part Control")

* Before you take a bite ask yourself, "Do I want a part or a serving?" A part is how much you choose to eat. A serving is a measured amount, such as a cup or half cup. (Usda, "How Much are You Eating?")

* Serving sizes depend on your age and how many fat you need each day. (Usda, "Food Portions and Servings: How Do They Differ?")

* Use food label facts to your advantage. compare the serving size that is listed with the estimate you regularly eat. Then "right size"your serving size. (Mayo Clinic, "Lose Weight With proper part Control")

* Americans underestimate their food consumption by as much as 25 percent. To figure out how much you are absolutely eating compare the food on your plate with the Us Government Food Pyramid servings. (Meals Matter Web site, "Making Sense of part Sizes")

* To understand general servings part food with a food scale and thorough measuring cups and spoons. Have you been over-eating? (Meals Matter Web site, "Making Sense of part Sizes")

* You may also use the hand method to part food. Your fist is a cup, your palm is a serving of meat, your thumb is a serving of cheese or peanut butter, and a handful is a serving of pretzels, chips or nuts. compare your hand with a measuring cup before you part food.
(www.dpi.state.nd.us/child/new/PortionControl/Serving size.pdf, "Serving Sizes Are in Your Hand")

Don't succumb to part distortion. Eat healthy servings with your kids and keep on eating them. For a helpful wallet-size serving card log onto the part Distortion Web site, an narrative titled, "Keep an Eye on part Size," and print cards for your kids. Print one for yourself, too.

Copyright 2007 by Harriet Hodgson

Talk to Your Kids About Food Servings