UC Cooperative Extension nutrition, family and consumer sciences advisor for Tulare County, Cathi Lamp, suggested strategies for families wishing to skirt the obesity epidemic at a recent presentation that was covered by the press.
Lamp was quoted frequently in a story written by family therapist Bev Thompson for the Visalia Times-Delta.
"Research shows that what works is parents setting healthy limits and providing structure for nutrition and lifestyle changes," Lamp was quoted.
Lamp offered the following suggestions to parents:
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Model healthy behaviors
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Don't use food as a reward
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Serve milk at all meals, use nonfat or 1 percent milk in sauces, and make pudding for dessert
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Increase naturally sweet fresh fruits and vegetables
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Take your children to the farmers' markets around the Central Valley
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Serve water throughout the day when kids are thirsty