Summer Eating Habits

I recently read an article that talked about how across the United States kids gain more weight over the summer than they do during the school year.  I have observed this in my patients and thought that it was because of the heat and how hard it is to play outside this time of year.  It turns out that the weight gain is due to extra eating over the summer.  Because kids are home all day with little structure they tend to spend a lot of time snacking.  So what can you do to prevent this extra weight gain...

1.  Limit the junk food in the house.  If you don't keep chips, soda, and cookies in the house then there is less temptation.  Keep easy to grab fruits and veggies around instead.

2. Review the rules with your kids. School age kids should be asking permission before getting a snack.  Limit them to one small snack in the afternoon such as a fruit or veggie.  If older kids can't follow the rules you set then perhaps they are not ready to be left home by themselves.

3. Be aware that if they are not as active that they will need to eat less than during the school year. Limit extra servings of meats and pastas at mealtimes. If your child is still hungry offer fruits and veggies instead.

4. Try and keep them active.  We have many low priced public pools around here that are always popular with the kids.  You can also run a sprinkler or have them play with squirt guns. (Don't forget the sunscreen!)  Go to the playground or take the dog for a walk first thing in the morning or when the sun is going down in the evening.