CHICAGO, July 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- "My, how you've
grown!" will be a common exclamation from friends and family who
haven't seen a child in some time. Many children will hear these
words from friends and family this summer as well as teachers once
they return to school for in-person learning in the fall.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its Foundation
celebrate Kids Eat Right Month™ every August.
As children's bodies grow, so do their nutritional needs. The
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages parents and
caregivers to help children establish healthful habits that can
last a lifetime.
In August, the Academy and its Foundation celebrate the
importance of healthful eating and active lifestyles for children
and their families during its annual Kids Eat Right
Month™.
"Major growth spurts traditionally take place between the
pre-teen and teen years while children go through puberty," said
registered dietitian nutritionist Amy
Reed, a Cincinnati-based
national spokesperson for the Academy. "Pre-teens and teens may
grow at least 2 inches per year and gain up to 6.5 pounds per year
during this time. As their bodies grow in size and proportion, so
do their appetites."
"Registered dietitian nutritionists, the food and nutrition
experts, can provide guidance to help children meet their
nutritional and physical activity needs," Reed says. "If your child
is an athlete, then it is important that they not only eat to grow,
but to support their increased activity."
Reed encourages parents to consult with their child's health
care provider about their child's growth and if they have any
nutritional deficiencies.
"Offer your child a wide variety of foods including fruits and
vegetables, lean protein foods, whole grains and dairy or fortified
soy alternatives to promote growth," she says. "Pre-teens and teens
may not always eat the foods that a parent serves, but the more
they are offered these foods, the more likely they are to eat
them."
"Children going through a growth spurt may need at least two
snacks a day. Teen-friendly snacks are easy-to-reach and easy to
eat," Reed says. "Simple items such as fruit, whole-grain crackers
with peanut butter and low-fat string cheese can usually satisfy
those hunger pangs. Encourage them to drink plenty of water because
sometimes thirst can be misinterpreted as hunger."
Keep consistent family mealtimes to discourage snacking too
close to meals, Reed says. "Discourage mindless snacking in front
of the television or while playing videogames. Encourage them to
get active by walking or playing sports."
"Parents should be sure to 'walk the talk' by eating nutritious
foods, participating in regular physical activities and conveying a
positive body image to their children," Reed says. "Children
emulate their parents, so it's important for parents to set a good
example with healthful habits of their own."
Kids Eat Right Month™ was created in 2014 to mobilize registered
dietitian nutritionists in a grassroots movement to share healthful
eating messages to help families adopt nutritious eating
habits.
"See the Kids Eat Right Month Media Materials for
the 2021 campaign graphic, infographics and more information. To
find a registered dietitian nutritionist near you, use the
Academy's online Find a Nutrition Expert service.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and
dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is
the world's largest organization of food and nutrition
professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's
health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research,
education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is a 501(c)3
charity dedicated exclusively to supporting nutrition and dietetics
professionals by empowering them to help consumers live healthier
lifestyles. It makes an impact with Academy members and throughout
the profession with its scholarships, awards, research grants,
fellowships, public education programs and disaster relief efforts.
Through philanthropy, the Foundation empowers current and future
food and nutrition practitioners to optimize global health. Visit
the Foundation at www.eatrightFoundation.org.
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SOURCE Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics