Get the Best Family Activities
Dr. McAllister, cites studies that show that one-third of American children are overweight, and rising; she notes that kids today have a shorter life expectancy than their parents, due to the obesity epidemic. But she has some simple solutions (such as substituting whole grain bread for white, and mustard for mayonnaise), that can make a real difference.
She acknowledges that fathers bear responsibility, too, but believes “the reality is that mothers are the nutritional gate keepers for their families.” Her husband is also a physician, and, she says, “It is hard to think about fixing a four course dinner at 7 o’clock.” She brings her kids into the kitchen every weekend — her boys are now 9, 10 and 22 — and makes meals which she can freeze to use throughout the week. The book has some simple recipes, like a chicken-broccoli casserole, or salmon quesadillas, that can be made quickly. But its great advantage is guidance for a nutritional make-over. There are snacks that fast food addicts can enjoy, and “action plans” that help you figure out what to buy.
Dr. McAllister also discusses what she calls the “danger zone”, the four hours after school when many children are untended and the majority of calories are consumed. She notes that parents are concerned with environmental hazards, and protecting kids from traffic, “yet allow intimate exposure to horrible food. One deal we’ve negotiated with our 9- and 10-yr-old is a dance pad. When they play video games, they have to activate controls with their feet.”
A 2006 nationwide Healthy Lunchbox Survey found that when parents who prepare kids’ lunches or are aware of what their children eat for lunch, the children are about 25 percent less likely to be overweight.