Childhood Obesity Project

Healthy Eating and Playing Sports

Cassidy Scoggins, BS, Dietetic Intern, Southern Illinois University—Carbondale
Division of Community Health and Prevention, Bureau of Family Nutrition

The Healthy People 2010 “challenge individuals, communities, and professionals, indeed all of us to take specific steps to ensure that good health, as well as long life, are enjoyed by all.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is currently developing Healthy People 2020 objectives. The objectives have either stayed the same, been modified, or are entirely new. Visit www.healthypeople.gov to learn more about both the 2010 and 2020 Healthy People objectives.

If you are the parent of a physically active child, then you are already taking steps to meet the Healthy People objectives! Now, are you the parent of a child who is physically active and eating healthy? You may think this a challenge, especially if your child is involved with a sports team that has games and practices on a regular basis. Those frequent trips to the concession stand, gas stations and fast-food outlets have an impact, not only on your child’s health but also on your health (and wallet)!

Since the eating habits of children can affect their health, school-work, sport performance, and physical growth, it is important to consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grains, low-fat dairy and lean meats. The key to incorporating this into your busy schedule is to plan ahead. Take the few extra minutes needed to pack a cooler with fruits and vegetables (pre-washed, cut or sliced work best for busy children), sandwiches using whole grain bread and lean meats, mozzarella string-cheese sticks, and lots of water! Steering clear of the hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, pretzel with cheese, sugary drinks, etc., will make a positive impact on your child’s health and set a lifetime of better eating practices.

Your child may already be a sports team, but having a nutrition and physical activity team at home to build better habits for a lifetime is also beneficial in your child’s life.