Growing Healthy Kids on High Fiber Foods

Tucson, AZ - (High Fiber Health) Here is a simple fact. It's just as important to your child's health as it is to yours to get enough fiber. The problem is that children in our white bread, sugar-laden society just don't eat enough fiber.

Today's children are growing overweight at an alarming rate. In the past 30 years obesity in children and teenagers has more than doubled.

Obesity is uncommon in countries with fiber-rich diets. Nationally, some 9 million children are overweight or obese, and the numbers are growing so fast that some health experts are calling it a national crisis. Kids should get an hour of daily exercise and parents should have the guts limit soda and candy and fast food.

Foods that are high in fiber are smart and caring choices for your kids because they're filling and discourage overeating - and, even better, fiber itself has no calories. Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables and one or more servings of whole-grain food each day is the healthiest way for kids to get all the fiber they need. Hint: Make sure the word "whole" is listed before the name of the grain on food labels so you know you are getting the good stuff.

An easy way to calculate how much fiber your kid should have every day is by adding 5 to your kid's age. For example, if you have a 6-year-old, he or she should get about 11 grams of daily fiber. Adults and those older than 15 need 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day.

Applesauce, fruit cocktail and pizza are the major source of fiber for kids. These foods are all fairly low in fiber, but when eaten in large quantity, they do add up.

Get your kids to help make decisions about better eating. You might find their attitudes more open to a healthier diet plan. If you change slowly to more high fiber fruits and veggies, your kids' fiber adaptation should be smooth and seamless. You set the example and show them the benefits. They will learn to make smart high fiber choices on their own. Childhood is the best time to set the stage for a lifetime of healthful eating habits. High fiber foods are a gift of love.