Nana worries about her grandchildren's diet – The Denver Post

Dear Amy: I have a granddaughter of 6 years old. She is pretty, kind, intelligent, helpful and active with many friends. She has always been a difficult eater. She eats very little protein, hardly any vegetables, fruits, nuts and peanut butter, but consumes dairy products and plenty of salty snacks, bread, cookies, candy, "health" bars, etc. .

Her parents have tried to make her eat more nutritious food, but they continually give in to sweet and salty foods because they want her to eat something. They also buy her candies as often. She is obviously heavier than others of her age.

I have made some clear suggestions, but I am not an expert. I do not want to make them feel that they are bad parents. I do not know if they asked their pediatrician.

I am worried about obesity, diabetes, children who make fun of her and other consequences of being overweight. Do you have any suggestions? Can you give me the words to talk to parents and give helpful tips?

– Nana

Dear Nana, Your granddaughter has the perfect age to learn how to eat healthy. Learning nutrition can be as simple as playing a game at the supermarket, learning to read the labels and choosing "whole foods" rather than processed foods. You can do that with her. Tell him to find some of his favorite foods and see if you can replace some of the processed foods with an equivalent product but with fewer ingredients. Do not force her to eat meat (dairy products, nuts, eggs and vegetables provide protein).

The best way for kids to learn about nutrition is to cook!

The grandchildren cook with their "Nanas" since the dawn of time.

Cooking involves cutting fruits and vegetables and arranging them into a fun salad.

Cooking can include measuring the appropriate proportions of rice in the rice cooker's water, making healthy smoothies, or mixing an easy-to-prepare caramel sauce to dip apple slices. She can even make her own "health" bars.

You should not tell your granddaughter that she is fat, or is going to be, or that she is "chunky," "husky," "big bones" or any other iteration. of this. You should not comment on the size or shape of his body. You need to focus only on healthy and positive choices and choose activities – in and out of the kitchen – that help you feel great, strong and in control.