Government Intervention, The Kids' Food Pyramid, and hazardous Hot Dogs, Too

There's a lot of food talk going colse to these days from the hot dogs you cook up for your kids, to meals served at home and at your child's school.

For starters, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a warning about the dangers of serving inescapable foods to kids under four, such as grapes, carrots, and candy. Riskiest, of all, however, is the hot dog. Indeed, they are apparently so unsafe that lead author of the Aap narrative and investigate director at the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus Ohio, Dr. Gary Smith says the choking hazard they gift is so great that he'd like to see the hot dog redesigned.

The Food Pyramid

Then there's the fact that the federal government is taking a stand of its own, with the Obama supervision request Congress to make such changes in the Childhood nutrition Act as removing sugary snacks and drinks from school vending machines and providing school morning meal and lunch to more kids. It's also pushing for bigger reimbursements to schools that serve breakfast.

By the way, while the National Pta and assorted health organizations keep such legislation, most schools are not quite on board.

Meanwhile, Michelle Obama has taken on childhood obesity as her cause, advising American families to serve their kids fresh fruits and vegetables, while giving up junk food. About 30% of our children are obese, and she wants the government to intervene, saying, "It's going to wish us working together-not just the administration, but Congress, governors, mayors, parents, teachers. Anything who has access to children in their lives is going to have to work together. And one of the things that's also very clear is that this qoute won't be solved by any particular federal solution. This is going to wish national attention."

In truth, it all starts at home.

A quick note at public school menus shows expand has been made in new years-but only some progress. Sure, now the cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and hoagies normally come wrapped in whole wheat bread, but that doesn't necessarily make them nutritionally sound choices. And, anyway, pizza will all the time be a mainstay on the menu. Then there are the morning meal offerings, which comprise cheese omelets, morning meal pizzas, and sausage jiffies-whatever those are.

Bottom line: serve healthy breakfasts and dinners at home-snacks, too; then brown bag your child's lunches and be guided by the U.S. Agency of Agriculture Kids Food Pyramid.

The 5-4-3-3-2 Kids' Pyramid Plan for 7- to 10-year-olds:

• 5 servings every day from the Grain Group (orange): Serve whole grain breads, cereals, crackers, rice, and/or pasta.

• 4 servings every day from the Vegetable Group (green): comprise more dark green and orange veggies, plus dry beans and peas.

• 3 servings from the Fruit Group (red): comprise a variety of fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruit-but not fruit juices.

• 3 servings from the Milk Group (blue): choose low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, cheese.

• 2 servings from the Meat Group (purple): Bake, broil, or grill low-fat and lean meats and poultry and comprise more fish, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds.

• Keep servings from the Oils Group (yellow) to a minimum: The best sources are from fish, nuts, and vegetable oils; limit butter, stick margarine, shortening, and lard.

For your 11-, 12-, and 13-year-old, just turn those numbers to 6-5-3-3-2, and again limit oils.

In other words, don't depend on the government or schools to take payment of your family's diet. Do that yourself. Start with small changes, grocery shop wisely, and model healthy eating habits. Your kids will learn from your good example and thank you in the long run.

And, by the way, if you still want to serve hot dogs and keep your youngster safe, too, just slice them in half lengthwise and then cut them into small pieces. Oh, yes, quarter those grapes and other potentially hazardous foods, as well.

Government Intervention, The Kids' Food Pyramid, and hazardous Hot Dogs, Too