The Bogalusa Heart Study, a 25-year study of one Louisiana community's eating habits, showed that most children are eating a slightly healthier diet than they did a generation ago. But they're still eating more fat than they should. Over the past two decades, obesity has doubled in children. We're treating adult diseases in children. Don't have high-fat snacks in the house, and don't eat fast food every night, Nicklas says.
Moderation is key.
Smart snacks include low-fat milk, graham crackers, apple slices or celery with peanut butter, and dried fruit. Also, high-fiber oatmeal, pasta, fruits and vegetables are essential. Proximity is everything. Parents tells us they've brought the good stuff into the house, that the kids will eat it if they want it. That's not enough.