Knowledge is Key for Healthy Living
By Caitlin Bootsma
Consultant to the VIRTUS® Programs
Here at VIRTUS we talk frequently about protecting children from sexual abuse, enabling them to have a safe and healthy future. As caring adults, there are a number of additional areas in which we can educate kids and encourage them to live out healthy lifestyles.
Along with exercise, eating well is an area which most of us could use a refresher. While kids often follow their parents' or other role models' lead when it comes to eating habits, it is helpful as they get older to understand what is healthy and why.
Here are just a few topics you might consider exploring with kids:
- What does a 2,000 calorie daily diet (recommended average for adults) look like? How does what food you choose affect calorie counts?
- What's the difference between good fats your body needs and superfluous "bad fats"?
- Why are eating fruits and vegetables so important? What do they contribute to your well-being?
- What is the effect of sugar on your body? How much is a reasonable amount and what foods contain a surprising amount of sugar in them?
Nutrition facts may exist on most food packaging, but it is caring adults who can actually impart the knowledge kids need to make healthy choices.
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