Tips for Teaching Kids How to Read Food Labels

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity has more than tripled over the last three decades. While only 7 percent of children ages 6-11 were once considered obese, that figure has now risen to 20 percent. Today, more than one third of all children and adolescents are considered to be overweight or obese. One way the CDC recommends preventing and addressing the problem is for healthy eating to become a part of every child’s life. And healthy eating begins with reading food labels.

“Once children know how to read, they are ready to start learning how to read food labels,” explains Jolly Backer, chief executive officer of Fresh Healthy Vending (www.freshvending.com). “The more they know about what they are eating, the more empowered they will be about making healthier food choices.”

There are many potential advantages to teaching children how to read food labels, including that it helps to encourage portion control and will help them find the information they need to make healthier food choices. Reading labels can provide reading practice, as well as a science lesson if you take the time to research what some of the unknown ingredients are. It is also provides a math lesson, especially when they are given the opportunity to measure out their food.

Here are some tips for teaching kids how to read food labels:

Start at home by getting out a couple of their favorite things, such as cereal, along with a measuring cup. Start by teaching them how they can determine what a serving size is, and letting them measure out one serving.

Once they understand serving sizes, move on to showing them things like calories, fat, sugar, fiber, and cholesterol on the label. Explain why it is important to know what quantity of these things constitutes a serving, and what amount is considered high. For example, if they look at a can of soda and see that it has 40 grams of sugar, they will learn that this is high; if they look at a serving of Cheerios, and see that it has one gram of sugar, they will see that this is low.

Try having them read the ingredients list. The longer-labeled products are often less natural and have a lot of artificial ingredients, making them more unhealthy. Remind children that things like fresh fruits and vegetables don’t usually have labels but are usually the most natural and healthiest options around.

Once they have the above steps down, do some label comparisons, so they can determine which choice is the healthiest option.

Be patient with kids as they learn how to read and understand labels. It will take time and practice, but after a while they will understand it and the information they are gaining.

Once children have been exposed to label reading at home, and have had an opportunity to practice measuring and learning about the food, parents can encourage label reading at the grocery store, as well. The more practice that kids get at label reading, the better at it they will become. In time, they will be familiar with many foods, know which are healthy and unhealthy, and be able to identify healthier food options without always having to rely on reading the labels.

“Even when children walk up to a vending machine, where they can’t read labels, you want them to know which is the healthier option,” adds Backer. “With label-reading practice, they will become savvy shoppers who recognize healthy food options when they see them. Label reading is a tool that kids can use for the rest of their life.”

Fresh Healthy Vending is a company on a mission to help address childhood obesity, by providing vending machines stocked with all-healthy food options. Their dual-climate-controlled machines have been placed in over 800 locations around the nation, including school campuses. Each machine is stocked with fruit smoothies, soymilk, yogurt, tea, and even fresh fruits and vegetables.

Those interested in learning more about Fresh Healthy Vending should visit www.freshvending.com.

About Fresh Healthy Vending

Based in San Diego, Fresh Healthy Vending is a company that started in 2010 and is revolutionizing vending machines by filling them with healthy, natural food options. Dubbed the “future of vending,” they are leading the way in healthy food vending. Their machines offer 100-percent juices, fresh vegetables, fruits, smoothies, and yogurts. The Fresh Healthy Vending machines are franchised and are being placed in schools, offices and other locations throughout the country. To learn more about Fresh Healthy Vending, visit the website at www.freshvending.com

Vegan Options For the Holidays

Vege USA is committed to taking vegetarian and vegan cuisine to a whole new level by offering a diverse line of authentic Asian and internationally-themed gourmet meat alternatives that combine premier-quality ingredients, essential nutrients and deliciously satisfying flavors in a convenient frozen packaged product.

By offering delectable and nutritious products which can be savored by devoted and occasional vegetarians alike, Vege USA is dedicated to helping consumers embrace healthy eating not just for now, but for life. To find out more about their products and place your order before the holidays visit: http://www.vegeusa.com/

Healthy Eating for Children During the Holidays

Over the next six-eight weeks, families will gather around the dinner table for important occasions of the year, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Everyone will be cooking their special recipes for that perfect turkey and stuffing, or prime rib and Yorkshire pudding. But the big question is how to enjoy the holidays without over-indulging?

And the question doesn't just apply to adults - it applies to children as well. Christmas Cookies, Thanksgiving Pies, etc - the desserts are special, endless in sight and everyone loves to sample just a taste. So, how do you celebrate the holidays without gaining weight?

For Children:

1) Traditionally when we stuff the stockings we think about putting all kinds of candy in them. This year try and give them small gifts like a homemade coupon book with things like "one dinner alone with Mom" or "one baseball game with Dad." That way you are being healthy and creating opportunities to make memories.

2) Encourage your kids to get a group together and go caroling in your neighborhood. This old tradition is fun, and you will get a little exercise walking from house to house.

3) Include your children in the holiday baking and teach them how making small substitutions can lower the fat and calories in their favorite foods. Using xylitol instead of sugar, skim milk instead of whole milk, wheat or oat flour instead of white flour, and egg whites instead of the whole egg are some examples.

For Adults:

1) When you know you are going to a holiday party don't "save up" your calories and not eat before you go. Eating small meals throughout the day will prevent you from overindulging on too many goodies at the party.

2) Bringing your own healthy dishes to parties is a good way to insure that you will have something to eat if everything served there is laden with fat and calories. Hummus and veggies, fruit and yogurt dip, and turkey roll ups are some healthy ideas.

3) If you see something that looks too irresistible try this strategy. Take small amount and take one bite. This should keep you from the "I can't have it" mentality that makes you feel deprived.

4) Calculate how many miles you have to do on the treadmill in order to burn enough calories to compensate for your favorite holiday treat. Do the miles and eat the treat without guilt!