Avocados from Mexico Inspires Adults to Serve More Fruits and Vegetables
Avocados from Mexico has partnered with actress Holly Robinson Peete on a Public Service Announcement (PSA) inspiring adults to lead by example by making smart food choices their children can emulate.
The goal of the PSA is to help reduce the incidence of childhood obesity by encouraging families to eat more fruits and vegetables. In the PSA, Holly, a mother of four, reminds adults that children observe and follow everything they do and can influence their children’s future eating and exercise habits.
Parents, here are some tips to help you model great eating habits for your kids.
At home
When you are in the comfort of your own home, you have the most control over your children’s food choices. You decide what to buy, what to prepare, how to prepare it, how much to serve and when to serve it. But beyond what foods you provide them access to, you should practice the same food behaviors you’d like your kids to have. Even if you don’t think they are watching, they probably are.
• Eat at the dining table rather than on the couch, desk or standing.
• Always have breakfast before leaving the house.
• Drink only water with meals.
• Don’t fill up your bowl, plate or cup to the top. Think about your hunger level and serve yourself only the amount you plan to eat.
• Avoid eating right out of a multi-serve bag or container. Portion out what you plan to eat and put the multi-serve container back.
• Have fruits and vegetables with every meal and snack.
• Turn off the TV and put the computer away while eating.
• Have meals and snacks as a family at the dining table whenever possible.
• Keep the serving bowls and plates in the kitchen rather than the dining table, where you may be more likely to select “seconds” even if you are already satisfied.
• Plan out your meals and snacks ahead of time.
• Ask your kids if they would like to help with meal preparation and give them an age-appropriate role.
• Don’t complain about your weight or talk about diets in front of your kids. Instead, focus on the positive and talk about the benefits of eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
At restaurants
When you eat out, you may not be in the kitchen, but you can still have some control over what you eat by making good choices. Your kids will learn by example.
• Order menu items that are steamed, baked, broiled or grilled rather than fried or sautéed.
• Have a slice of bread from the bread basket if you want it, but don’t take additional slices just because they are there.
• Request sauces, dressing and condiments on the side.
• Ask for no added salt or butter during food preparation and don’t add them at the table either.
• Examine your plate when you are served, decide how much you will eat, and take the rest home.
• Order vegetables as main entrée accompaniments even if that’s not what the menu offers.
• Drink only water with meals.
• Request whole grains (e.g. 100% whole wheat bread, rolls, rice, and pasta) when you place your order.
• When you go to a quick service restaurant (aka fast food), order a “kids meal” and not a “value meal.” More cheap food just means more calories.
On-the-go
Everyone is busy with errands, carpooling, playdates, and after-school activities. But that doesn’t mean you should let good eating habits go to the wayside. If you don’t think good nutrition is always important, neither will your kids.
• Avoid eating when you are in the car. Have a snack before you leave the house.
• Pack portable snacks like nuts and fruit for the mall so that you don’t have to resort to the food court.
• Take your kids to the grocery store with you and write the shopping list with them.
• Show your kids how to read the nutrition facts panel and ingredients list before placing an item in the cart.
• For hydrating at the gym and when you participate in an activity, drink only water.
See the PSA featuring Holly Robinson Peete >
