They say bad habits start young… We have discussed many of the practices and behaviors that can contribute to childhood obesity already, from too much soda consumption and not enough fruits and veggies to portion distortion and excess screen time. ...

Children love to move.  And need to move.  And let’s face it, kids need lots of physical activity to maintain good health and a body weight that is right for them, along with plenty of healthy food options.  Lack of daily physical activity is a...

Clang, Clang, Clang!  My great-grandmother had a red bell.  And she used it to announce a very important event: Dinnertime.  A time when everyone in the family joined together, gathered around the table, and ate.  Dinnertime was a priority--all work...

No doubt most parents have savvy school-aged children who are able to navigate the web, program their iPhone, and operate the family plasma TV.  It is certainly true that we live in a technological world, and this is obvious in our children.  With the...

How can regular meals and snacks influence childhood obesity?  Believe it or not, the rhythm of meals and snacks is an important defense against childhood obesity.  Regular meals and snacks help children get the myriad requirement of nutrients in their...

We’ve all heard the saying, “you are what you eat.”  Is your child the proportions of his/her portions?  Research shows that increased portion sizes may be associated with childhood obesity because calorie intake also increases.  In fact, 40...

Come out, come out, wherever you are!  Sometimes choosing foods with healthy amounts of fat can seem like a game of hide and seek.  While some sources are obvious, others can be hiding undetected in some of your kids’ favorite foods.  Research shows...

Forget the old adage “less is more”.  When it comes to fruits and vegetables, “more is less”.  Focusing on more nutrients, fiber, servings, and colors can mean a healthier weight for your child and less tendencies toward obesity and its’...

Hunger is a primal force, and if left unattended, can create an unhealthy array of habits and eating patterns that can contribute to obesity.   We are born with a natural sense of hunger, an ability to recognize it, and a desire to quench it...

Sugar baby.  Honey child.  Are these sweet-nothings turning into a bitter reality for your child?  No doubt the presence and regularity of sugar in a child's diet has an influence on their health and weight.  For Part 3 of the Why Weight? series,...