The "Plate" Replaces the "Food Pyramid" for Healthy Children

"MyPlate" Replaces the Food Pyramid

Some people blamed the original food pyramid for the current epidemic of adult and childhood obesity and were looking forward to a revision of the food pyramid by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Many were disappointed to find that not much had changed in the actual dietary guidelines that make up the pyramid or in the revised food pyramid in 2007. Instead, most of the changes were in how the guidelines were presented, supposedly making them more easily understandable so that people could actually follow them and learn to make healthier choices.

Although the food pyramid has always seemed simple, many people misunderstood the original ranges in servings for each food group or didn't even know what a serving was supposed to be, which led to a lot of oversized portions and overeating. And unfortunately, the revised customized pyramid plans never really caught on.

MyPlate

Whatever its shortcomings, the food pyramid has been retired.

In its place - MyPlate, a simple place setting to help everyone visualize eating a healthy meal with the five food groups (fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups).

"This is a quick, simple reminder for all of us to be more mindful of the foods that we're eating and as a mom, I can already tell how much this is going to help parents across the country," said First Lady Michelle Obama. "When mom or dad comes home from a long day of work, we're already asked to be a chef, a referee, a cleaning crew. So it's tough to be a nutritionist, too. But we do have time to take a look at our kids' plates. As long as they're half full of fruits and vegetables, and paired with lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, we're golden. That's how easy it is."

The key MyPlate messages are that to eat healthier, everyone should build a healthy plate by:

• avoiding oversized portions
• making half of their plate fruits and vegetables, including a variety of colors and eating fruits, vegetables, or unsalted nuts as snacks
• switching to fat-free or low-fat milk (or try calcium-fortified soy drinks as a dairy alternative)
• eating grains, but making sure that at least half of your grains are whole grains
• varying your choices of proteins, such as by eating seafood twice a week, eating beans, and eating small portions of lean meat and poultry

You can still create a daily food plan too, but a quick glance at your plate will help you know if you are on track. A plate that is full of chicken nuggets, pizza, or pasta at each meal isn't going to help you eat a healthy diet with all of the food groups.
That's important, because dietary guidelines haven't changed.
Using the MyPlate site will reinforce other healthy eating lessons, such as:

• enjoying your food, but eating less.
• eating fruit for dessert
• making half of your grains whole grains
• eating a variety of protein foods
• cutting back on sweet treats
• avoid extra salt and sodium by comparing nutrition labels
• drinking water instead of sugary drinks

The MyPlate site also includes sample menus, food group based recipes, and ideas for kid-friendly veggies and fruits.

Kindly visit SeekingSitters Orlando to view the qualifications that need to be met in order to become a Certified Professional on my team.  Many of the sitters health care providers, teachers, CNAs and qualified professions that know the importance of a healthy diet :O)

Vacation Travel Tips - With Infants and Toddlers

Summer-Time = Vacation Time...   Tips for Traveling with Your Young Children

It’s  summer time. For infants, vacations are just around the corner. You may be wondering if it’s okay for your infant to travel with you. The simple fact is, these days babies travel from the very beginning. It’s probably a good idea to start bringing the baby out in a crowd after the first 6-8 weeks of life. I personally carried my newborn in a babypurse (what I called it) after the second week (I had to pick up my daughter from her school in Maitland).  Up until the age of 8 weeks, pediatricians worry about fevers, even as low as 100.3F. Any infection can spread very quickly. During this time, too, your baby will receive the first set of vaccines.

Traveling by car:

Traveling by motor vehicle is probably the easiest to negotiate with a toddler or new baby. You control your trip and also what you decide you need to take along, without restrictions. Stop often to feed and change the children. Make sure that the car is not overheated. Always check that the seat belts in the car seats are comfortable.  Play music, sing and talk a lot :o)  Take along a travel dvd player, dvds and some books for the toddlers.

Traveling by plane:

Many babies travel on planes these days. Notify the airline before your trip that you’ll be traveling with young children. Some of the airlines may offer special accommodations. Call the airline ahead of time and find out if you may be seated in the bulkhead area as there is more space provided.  We traveled to Madrid with our 10 month old and she was able to sleep comfortably on a blanket on the floor (as bad as that sounds, she slept 9 hours).
In most cases, you can take liquid formula, however, they test the liquid when you go through security...while you're taking off your shoes and removing your infant from the stroller.  I believe a baby sling would be more suitable.  If for some reason, bringing liquid formula is not allowed, bring formula in powder form and buy bottled water after you’ve passed security. It may not be possible to bring expressed breast milk in bottles. In this case, the baby can either drink formula that you prepare or you’ll breastfeed on the plane. It’s not advisable to keep the baby in your lap. Some airlines will allow a car seat. Your carry on luggage should include everything your children will need for that period of time.  However, pack extra EVERYTHING, just in case a problem arises; delayed or even cancelled flights can be a nightmare otherwise.  
 
When the plane takes off and lands, there’ll be a change in the pressure. Breast feed or give the baby a bottle of formula to ease the ear discomfort.  Toddlers find lollipops helpful.  Try to find some that are a bit sour so they swallow often.

***Find out if you need a separate passport for the baby or toddler well before you travel so there are no surprises when you arrive at the airport for your trip. Before you travel, please remember to check a few items:

• Clothing: Always bring many changes of clothing and dress the children in layers. It could easily be hot outside while the air conditioning is blasting inside.
 • Diapers: Make sure you have enough diapers, wet cloths, a changing mat, and diaper rash cream.  Be prepared to have to change a diaper or two while in your seat.  It takes practice, but it can be done with ease and disgression.
 • Bring formula (powder) and buy bottled water after the security check.
 • A small cooler (they look similar to lunch bags)
 • Baby food, finger foods and snacks
 • Sunscreen lotion: For children over age 3 months.
 • Medication for fever reduction: You should have this with you just in case.
 • Antihistamines: This is to be used in case of an allergy.
 • Any medication or device that the baby may use on a regular basis must be carried.
 • Toys, books, small dvd player and movies: Hopefully, these will help to keep the older children busy.
 • A baby carrier
 • A portable stroller, car seat, and portable crib should be checked.

At the hotel:
You need not travel with a travel crib.  The hotel should have one that meets FDA standards for safety. However, always call beforehand to be sure.  If they do provide a crib, they should also provide fitted sheets (but bring one from home just in case). Ask for a room with a refrigerator or a room that can accommodate one to store milk or formula. Ask the hotel to supply you with a local pediatrician’s name and contact information, in case of emergency. Watch your baby in the hotel room as you would at home. For toddlers, make sure the room is baby-proofed as much as possible.  Bring along a few outlet covers if you have enough room after packing 1000 items :o)

Have a safe trip. Stay healthy and have fun.  And remember, should you want a babysitter in while on vacation-whether you're traveling to Orlando or nationwide, call SeekingSitters 888-41-SITTERS (888-417-4883).