Children's Health: Encourage Nutritious Eating for Nutrition Month

Updated:
August 28, 2019

We all know that kids eat what is available. Because adults usually decide what food kids will eat, it's important to help them form healthy habits now to maintain a healthy weight and avoid future health problems. Small changes in the following key areas can make a huge difference.

Fruits and Vegetables

Kids should eat five fruits and vegetables each day. Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables count too, so serve those if fresh ones aren't available. Offer kids 100 percent juice with no added sugar. For picky eaters, you can mix or hide them in other dishes, like putting peas in rice or cucumbers in sandwiches.

Reduce Fat and Sugar

  • ‍Buy low- or non-fat dairy products like milk and yogurt
  • Choose lean cuts of meat like skinless chicken
  • Bake instead of fry
  • Substitute olive or vegetable oil for butter
  • Provide less soda and sugar-sweetened drinks
  • Serve fruit-based desserts instead of ice cream or cake

Healthy Snacks

Start by reducing the number of snacks served each day. Differentiate between snacks that require permission, such as cookies, and snacks that kids can take freely, like fruits or carrot sticks.

Watch Portion Size

Kids are smaller than adults, so they should eat smaller portions. Portions should be about the size of a child's fist. Use a smaller plate for kids if you're not sure about portion sizes. They can have seconds if they are still hungry, but don't force them to clean their plates if they are full.

Eat Together

Eating together is important for teaching kids to eat well. Family meals focus on eating and enjoying food and each other, and eating together is an opportunity to model good behaviour. Regularly scheduled meal and snack times help kids learn a structure for eating that they will carry with them as they grow up.

FAQs

What is financial advising?

Financial advising involves providing guidance and advice to individuals, families, or businesses to help them make informed decisions about their financial matters. This can include various aspects such as investment planning, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and more. Financial advisors analyze their clients' financial situations, goals, and risk tolerance to create customized strategies that align with their objectives.

Why is financial planning important?

Financial planning is crucial for several reasons:

Goal Achievement: It helps individuals set and achieve financial goals, whether they are short-term, such as buying a home, or long-term, like funding a comfortable retirement.

Risk Management: Financial planning addresses risks by considering insurance, emergency funds, and other protective measures.

Budgeting and Saving: It promotes responsible money management through budgeting and saving, fostering financial stability.

Wealth Building: Effective financial planning can lead to wealth accumulation and the creation of a secure financial future.

Can financial advisors help with debt?

Yes, financial advisors can help with debt management. They can assess your overall financial situation, create a budget, and develop strategies to pay down debt efficiently. They may also negotiate with creditors on your behalf, provide debt consolidation recommendations, and offer guidance on prioritizing and managing debt repayment.

What exactly does a financial advisor do?

The specific responsibilities of a financial advisor can vary, but generally, they:

  1. Conduct a thorough analysis of a client's financial situation, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
  2. Develop personalized financial plans based on the client's goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
  3. Provide investment advice and portfolio management services.
  4. Offer guidance on retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, and insurance.
  5. Monitor and adjust financial plans as needed based on changes in the client's life or market conditions.
  6. Educate clients on financial matters and empower them to make informed decisions.
What is the average fee for a financial advisor?

The fees charged by financial advisors can vary widely based on factors such as the advisor's experience, the services provided, and the region.

Common fee structures include:

Hourly Fees: Advisors charge an hourly rate for their services.
Flat or Fixed Fees: A set fee is charged for specific services or a comprehensive financial plan.
Asset-based Fees: Fees are a percentage of the assets under management (AUM).
Commission-based Fees: Advisors earn commissions on financial products they sell.
Combination of Fees: Advisors may use a combination of the above fee structures.
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It's important to discuss and clarify fee arrangements with a potential financial advisor before engaging in their services.