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September 6, 2013

Fit Facts: Should Preschoolers Pick Portions?

One in eight U.S. preschoolers is obese, and children who are obese are five times as likely to be overweight or obese as adults. However, there is some good news. A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Management (CDC) shows declines in childhood obesity rates among low-income preschoolers.

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and a time to take a look at how to combat the problem. In this age of super-sized meals and a super-sized epidemic of obesity, it’s important to know what portion size is appropriate for young children. Not sure? You may want to let your children choose for themselves.

A study of preschool children showed that when they were served a double portion of macaroni and cheese, the children took larger bites and ate more food. But when the double-sized portion was placed in a serving bowl and the children were allowed to serve themselves, they chose the right amount of food for their ages.

If you are packing or serving up your preschooler’s meals, having the right portion size of the main dish and including healthy sides such as fruits and vegetables can help make sure your preschooler is eating a well-balanced meal.

And how much macaroni and cheese is that, exactly? For a 3-year-old, about half a cup; for 4- or 5-year-olds, about three-quarters of a cup.

When young children eat healthy early in life, they develop healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime. These healthy eating habits, combined with regular physical activity, can help to prevent childhood obesity.

Sources: CDC.gov; American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vol. 77, no. 5, pp. 1164-70; Letsmove.gov

 

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