Smart Holiday Eating: A 10-Point Healthy Eating Plan for School-Age Children and their families.

Released on = November 22, 2004, 2:00 pm

Press Release Author = Linda Wilson/American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences

Industry = Consumer Services

Press Release Summary = Holiday eating can pose a big problem for American families with school-age children. With the wider selection of foods, larger portions and more opportunity to eat, helping children not over eat and exercise good eating
habits, which must last a lifetime, can be a tremendous challenge. The American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences offers a 10-point Holiday family eating plan developed by the teacher-members of AAFCS.

Press Release Body = (Alexandria, VA – November 23, 2004) With the kids off from school for the Thanksgiving holiday and Christmas just around the corner, poor eating habits can quickly become an unwanted part of family life. What better time
than the holidays to make healthy eating a family affair? The American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is offering a family
eating plan, which focuses on the dietary habits of the school-age children and their families during the Holiday Season. Bonus Tip: Do not starve yourself or let your family go without eating all day and
then sit down to a huge meal where overeating is the result!

Here are 10 Holiday Eating Tips from members of AAFCS:
1. Parents should be a positive role model
a. limit portion sizes—do sample all the Holiday meal and trimmings, but in small portions.
b. cook with less fat
2. Get active
a. plan family activities to get everyone moving
b. encourage fun activities with friends
3. Make eating an activity in itself
a. don't eat while watching TV or riding in car
b. sit down in the kitchen/dining room as a family
c. involve kids in menu choices, prep, and clean up
4. Don't use food as a reward or punishment
a. spend quality time with kids
b. celebrate by doing something fun together
c. don't withhold food as punishment
5. Watch what your kids drink too
a. limit fruit juice to 12 oz. per day or less
b. don't allow empty calories like sodas, even diet soda
c. encourage drinking of low fat milk
6. Don't be too restrictive
a. limit, don't eliminate sweets during the Holidays
b. don't put kids on a diet unless recommended by a physician
7. Limit television, video and computer time
a. reduce TV time to 2 hours per day
b. do not allow TV in kids' bedrooms
8. Focus on positive goals during the Holidays
a. run laps with their classmates and friends or bike for 20 minutes without getting tired
b. minimize number of hours spent playing computer games, emailing, instant messaging, etc.
c. encourage some activity such as stretching while watching TV instead of snacking
9. Take small steps as a family.
a. substitute fruit for dessert
b. park your car farther away from your destination
c. limit fast food
d. take a family walk
10. Follow Dietary Guidelines and consult professionals as needed

About AAFCS and Obtaining Quotes/Interviews

Founded in 1909, AAFCS is the only not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing people together to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. AAFCS’ more than 10,000 members are elementary, secondary, and
post-secondary educators, researchers, and administrators, cooperative extension educators, and other professionals in business and industry, not-for-profit organizations, and government.

These professionals develop, integrate, and provide practical knowledge about life skills— dietetics and nutrition, financial literacy; child care and parenting;
conflict resolution; consumer education; safe and secure housing and environment; and apparel and textiles. For complete results and Quotes, please contact Linda Wilson using the contact information at the end of this release. Interviews with AAFCS teachers may be arranged through Linda Wilson or her staff.

Access the AAFCS Electronic Press Kit: http://www.aafcs.org/newsroom/epk/newsletter.htm

Web Site = http://www.aafcs.org

Contact Details = Contact Info
Linda Wilson
400 N. Columbus Street, Suite 202
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-706-4609
lwilson@aafcs.org