2 Step Families

The Louisiana 2 Step offers this website for your children because, when it comes to getting healthy, it’s never too young to start. In Louisiana, where our children are among the heaviest in the nation, eating right and moving more are especially important.

The best way to get kids interested in health is to work on it as a family. It doesn’t have to be big changes; there are simple things you can do that can allow even the youngest children to take part.

Eating Right

Make Good Choices

Eating right is about making good choices. Every day you must combat junk and convenience foods while helping your kids learn good behaviors.

•  Healthy Children, Healthy Choices

Teach them to Cook

Involving your children in the kitchen will give you an opportunity to spend time with them while teaching them which foods are important for proper nutrition.

• 2 Step 4 Kids Recipes
• Healthy Diet of Young Children (Cooking Tips)
• USDA Sites for Kid Chefs
• Tips and Safety Brochure

Offer New Foods

Encourage your children to try new things like more colorful fruits and veggies. Sometimes all it takes is a little fun fact about a unique food to get them interested.

• Fruits and Veggies More Matters
• Try It

Give Them What They Need

Kids and adults of different ages and activity levels need different amounts of each food group. The USDA offers a calculator to determine exactly what each person needs.

• MyPyramid (USDA)
• Gobblin’ Gator Game

Stock Healthy Snacks

Face it, kids want snacks, and they should have them sometimes. But you have to be careful about how much sugary and salty junk is available. There are plenty of satisfying options that are also good for them.

• 100 Calorie Foods
• Approved Vending List
• Try It Foods

More Family-Friendly Tips

Think about the little things you can do every day to help your kids get a healthier diet and learn to eat better.

• Set a good example by clearing the junk food out of the house.
• Prepare nutritious meals and encourage your kids to try at least a little of something new.
• Incorporate whole grains into your cooking. Substitute brown rice and pasta for regular.

Moving More

To make moving more part of the family routine, you have to first be a role model. Get yourself off the couch and show your kids that exercise is a part of your life and they will follow! 

Getting the Family Moving

• Limit TV and video game time
• Exercise with your kids by walking the dog or playing ball in the yard
• Always encourage your kids activities and sports; if you can’t attend, send someone else who cares
• Show them how house and yard work can also keep them fit
• Think of ways to add moving more into your everyday routine
• Check out Pennington’s activity guidelines
• Encourage their 2 Step goals and log on with them
• Visit www.fitness.gov for more tips on kid’s fitness

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