Childhood Obesity is on the rise and 9&10’s Megan Huiskens spoke with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Registered Dietician Shanthi Appelo on how to incorporate healthy habits into your child’s day. About 14.7 million or 20% of children in the United States are obese.

Factors that contribute to obesity are:

A diet high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs), including sweetened beverages

Large portion sizes

Dining out instead of home-cooked meals

Lack of physical activity

Increased screen time

Limited sleep or lack of quality sleep

Appelo suggests adding healthy foods with age-appropriate portion sizes to your child’s plate. She also suggests making activities fun like a nature walk or going to the playground.

You can find recipes and more information here.

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