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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
Vacuum-packed foods can go straight from the freezer to the microwave.
(NUI) - In the last three decades, the number of overweight young Americans has tripled. An estimated one-fourth of all school-age children are overweight, and one-eighth are obese. Because of these alarming statistics, parents are looking for ways to establish healthy eating habits for their children.
"It is important for parents to serve as good role models when teaching children about healthy eating habits," said Dr. Naomi Neufeld, medical director and founder of the KidShape Foundation. KidShape is a not-for-profit organization, which emphasizes awareness and adoption of healthy eating habits, increased participation in physical activity, self-appreciation and realistic goal setting.
Here are some tips for developing healthy eating habits:
* Limit television viewing to one hour per day. Family activities should encourage exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes each. Children who spend the most hours watching television have the highest incidence of obesity.
* Prepare healthy meals and snacks in advance so you're not tempted with fast food and unhealthy choices. Hectic schedules make healthy eating a challenge. Prepare balanced meals when you have time, vacuum pack and freeze them. That way, you will always have fresh homemade dinners onhand, even when you're too tired to cook.
* Vacuum pack meals to save time and cook less often. Vacuum packing with a FoodSaver appliance removes air to keep food fresh three to five times longer and to prevent freezer burn. FoodSaver Bags are boilable and microwaveable, so they're easy for reheating.
* Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid. Fresh fruits and vegetables can easily be vacuum packed while in season to enjoy all year long, and they will taste as if they were just picked.
* Serve your children appropriate portions. Look for information on appropriate serving sizes in recipes or on food packaging. Encourage the habit of eating one serving per person. Portion control is easier when you vacuum pack one serving per bag. You can also vacuum pack and freeze meals right on a microwave-safe plate.
For more information on vacuum packing, call 1-888-233-5001 or visit www.foodsaver .com.
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