Ask The Expert is a weekly column on Littlestomaks.com. The idea is to have a reader-submitted question answered by a nutrition expert or a pediatrician. Feel free to submit your question in the comments section below.
This week, Registered Dietitian Janice Baker suggests you provide a healthy, balanced nutrition and encourage physical activity to manage your child’s diabetes risk.
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Janice Baker, MBA, RD, CDE
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Question: What foods can I be feeding my child (as opposed to not feeding her) to help her avoid becoming diabetic since there is a family history?
Answer:
The most important nutrition habits for children, as well as adults, to minimize the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes include regular balanced meals including whole grains, lean protein sources, lowfat dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Portion sizes and food types may vary according to your child’s age, appetite and activity level. Limit juices to 4 ounces per day, avoid soft drinks and sugary drinks, and minimize fast food. Encourage water as a beverage. Have meals together as a family as much as possible so that role modeling healthful eating behaviors and choices take place. And definitely avoid one of those most detrimental habits that can increase a child’s risk of obesity and diabetes- eating in front of the television set! Have your child sit down at a specific area meant for eating for most, if not all, meals and snacks.
Along with this, limit any “screen time” and encourage active play and movement throughout the day. Kid’s body’s are meant to move!
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Disclaimer – Information provided in Ask The Expert column on Littlestomaks.com is intended to give you general guidance on a question related to toddler nutrition. It is not meant to be treated as medical advice. You are welcome to contact this expert for a detailed consultation on your specific situation to determine what actions, if any, you should take regarding nutrition and health of your toddlers. We do not recommend you to take any action based solely on the information presented in this column. Experts have agreed to provide their professional opinion on toddler nutrition related questions on a voluntary basis and no compensation is offered to them by Littlestomaks.com.
