Lessons For A Lifetime Of Good Eating Habits (NAPSA)—Most parents know the challenges of getting their child to have a balanced diet and try a variety of foods. It’s not an easy task—especially since most babies are born with a protective instinct to be afraid of new foods. However, nowis the time to teach your baby healthy eating habits that will last the rest of hislife. Research shows that lifelong eating habits and tastes are learned early. Unfortunately, many American children are not getting this important early training. Obesity is on the rise, with 13 percent of children ages 6 to 11 overweight. Gerber, a leader in pediatric Remember, right nowis yourbest opportunity to teach your baby good habits that will last a lifetime. ents, teach her new flavors and tance of healthy eating for infants and toddlers and to help parents make nutritious food choices for their babies. As part of this campaign, Gerber has suggestions for teaching your baby healthy eating 2. Babies are born knowing how muchthey need to eat to grow and thrive. Infants understand their bodies and their hunger right from the start. When your baby starts eating solid foods, watch will make healthy choices later in Did you know...? 1. Breastfeeding teaches your baby to like the flavors your child to clean his plate. He'll make up for the missed calories at the next mealor the next day. 3. Babies are born with a protective instinct to be afraid The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the best way to feed your baby because breast milk not only helps in your baby’s eye and brain development, but it also reduces your baby’s chances of developing allergies and infections. It may even reduce the risk for obesity later in life. shows that it may take up to 10 exposures before a baby truly decides if he likes a food. If a baby rejects a certain food, try the new food along with a familiar food and don’t apply pressure, which can slow the acceptance process. 4, Exposure to fruits and vegetables early sets the stage for more variety later. Build life. you eat. that parents who introduce their babies to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables early in life are morelikely to have children who establish a lasting preference for a variety of foods later in childhood. 5. Fifty percent of children ages 2 to 18 eat less than one serving of fruit a day. Five servings of fruits and vegetables a day are important to provide your ing a national education cam- and exercise habits now, so he tion Department demonstrates older baby with essential nutri- nutrition for 75 years, is sponsor- paign to communicate the impor- your baby’s taste buds with a variety of healthy food choices from each food group. Research sponsored by Gerber and conducted by the University of Tennessee Nutri- for “I’m full!” cues, and never force of new foods. In fact, research get her into a healthy habit. Different color fruits and vegetables provide different nutrients, so introduce your baby to a rainbow of colors. One-half of a jar of baby food or one-fourth of a cup equals one serving. Unfortunately, many American children are not eating the recommended five servings a day. 6. Early physical activity contributes to early brain development and learning. Nurturing your child’s motor skills helps to ensure healthy development and later participation in physical activity. Establish physical activity as a routine to promote an activelifestyle. For more information, please visit www.gerber.com or call the Parents Resource Center at 1-8004-GERBERanytime, day or night, to request a brochure on teaching your baby healthy eating and exercise habits.
