I ask children whether or not, on most days, they eat a total of five servings of fruits and vegetables. If not, I ask how many they eat on an average day. The responses are varied and often quite humorous. Dr. Kuhl said this opens the door to a discussion about the family's diet and the importance of nutrition in general well being and disease prevention. Simple rules, based on sound recommendations like the food pyramid, are needed in assisting busy families in their food choices.
Many leading brands are more like candy than a nutritious breakfast.
In addition, Dr. Kuhl recommends not making specific rules when it comes to physical activity. Limit the amount of time your child is allowed to watch television, encouraging them to find other activities, he says. If a child gets in the habit of eating while watching TV, they may tend to overeat. Incorporating these simple suggestions into your child's diet will help turn a daily battle into a pleasurable dining experience. Dr. Kuhl is a graduate of The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed his internship and residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.