Citing new evidence that many parents lack the information to prevent obesity in their children, Shape Up America! and National Turkey Federation (NTF) have announced a national mobilization to help First Lady Michelle Obama fight childhood obesity by arming parents with the facts and tools to make simple changes – or “upgrades” – in favorite meals and physical activity levels so everyone can reap the benefits of taking in less calories.
Coming at a time when more than 12 million children in the United States are classified as obese and more than 23 million young Americans are considered overweight, the organizations are stepping up their efforts to show parents how they can improve their children’s weight status using an online tool called the Meal Upgrade Calculator. Besides showing consumers how to “upgrade” favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, this interactive website now gives parents the means to assess the weight status of their children and reduce the calories and fat consumed in meals served at school and in restaurants. Another new feature is the Family Activity Calculator, which shows parents how to increase the time children spend being physically active.While there is no single approach to fighting childhood obesity, Shape Up America! estimates that by taking advantage of these meal and activity “upgrades,” families can save an average of 100 calories a day through improvements to family meals and another 100 calories through increased physical activity – or 200 fewer calories a day. These savings are significant and demonstrate that small changes in meal preparation and increased physical activity can pay off in meaningful health improvements.
“When it comes to healthier eating and moving more, small changes add up to both weight control and measurable health improvements,” said Barbara J. Moore, Ph.D., Shape Up America! president and CEO. “That is the purpose of these new features to our Meal Upgrade Calculator – to show consumers and especially busy moms how to make simple ‘upgrades’ in children’s meals and activities that will keep them at a healthy weight and instill healthy habits that will last a lifetime.”
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I understand the need for education but it won't make a difference is the good food costs more than the "bad" food. We shop very carefully and do what we can to buy healthy foods but who can pass up 25 cent top ramen and 33 cent mac and cheese when it costs $3 for a pound of veggies (I paid $3.50 for a pound of brussel sprouts for Easter). There are some strategies out there but it all comes down to money - make the food affordable and things will change.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain, Sara. I think a lot of folks do. There are still some ways to make traditional boxed meals healthier. For example, add some spinach and/or chopped tomatoes to the mac and cheese for more nutrients, omit the butter (or just use half) and use low-fat or skim milk. For added flavor, add a dash or parmesan cheese and/or Tabasco sauce. For extra protein, add some canned tuna.
ReplyDeleteWith the Ramen noodles, only use half of the seasoning packet and add some vegetables and/or chicken. You can also scramble an egg and add that to the water for more flavor and protein.