Dining out for your children’s health
To the editor:
In the past 30 years, children’s obesity rates have nearly tripled! Today’s youth may be the first generation to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents according to The New England Journal of Medicine.
Today as Americans, it’s very common for us to dine out on a regular basis. In the late 1970’s children were eating only 1 of every 10 meals away from home and eating some sort of fast food or dining out with their friends and family was a treat. By 1999, this ratio had risen to 1 in every 3 meals. If children are dining out with friends and family that often, the nutritional value of the food they’re consuming needs to be considered.
As busy parents, it’s almost impossible to get our children to eat healthy at home. In addition, we’re faced with finding a healthy option when dining out. Because families are eating out more often and the obesity rates are climbing, it’s important for children to be eating healthy, regardless of where they’re eating.
It’s time to learn what your children are eating! Restaurants often package children’s menus with options that of the higher in calorie and fat combined with a sugary drink. It’s important to review the children’s menu and ask questions about how to create a healthier entrée for your child. Consider half portions from the “adult menu” or sharing a plate with your child. Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to avoid eating out altogether. It’s up to you, as the consumer, to make the healthier choice when faced with the decision to order off the menu.
Most restaurants are making greater efforts to create healthier options and labeling their menus to highlight those options. They may not know that you, the consumer, are interested in options that are not on the menu. Restaurants may gladly cater to your requests. If they hear similar requests often enough, they may change their menu. Be a good role model; order healthy entrees for both you and your children!
For more information or to request nutrition education materials contact me at 768-3056, extension 633.
Reegan Brown,
community education specialist
Healthy Aroostook/ACAP
