Heart Health For Kids
Heart disease. Who on earth wants to think about it when their child is young and healthy? Nobody. But, simple things you can do NOW may prevent heart disease in your children later. Do you have high blood pressure or heart problems on either side of the family? Then you have even MORE reason to do these things.
The Most Important Things to Do
- Cut down on the fat in your foods.
- Be sure your child gets exercise.
- Teach your child NOT to smoke.
Fat
We use a lot of fat here in Ohio. But, our food is so great that even with less fat, it’s terrific. Almost every thing you cook can be made with less fat.
Just what exactly is fat?
- Cooking oil.
- Margarine and butter.
- Mayonnaise and salad dressing.
- Lard and shortening.
There is also…
- The fat in meats, such as sausage and bacon.
- The fat in foods such as fried fish, fried chicken, french fries and donuts.
- The fat in chips, dips and pizza.
- The fat in whole milk and cheese.
A Family’s 10 Best Ways to Cut Down on Fat without Anybody Even Noticing
- Use a little less fat in every thing you cook. Cut down a little at a time.
- Cook more vegetables and beans and cook less meat.
- Buy low-fat and skim milk for everyone over age 2.
- Eat bacon and sausage only every once in a while.
- Bake, broil or roast meats, instead of frying them.
- Skim the fat off gumbo, soups, stews.
- Make your gravy with less fat and then serve a little less each time.
- Use more foods that are naturally low in fat, such as fruits, green vegetables and potatoes.
- Gradually cut way down on potato chips, french fries, donuts, greasy foods.
- At fast-food restaurants, choose foods low in fat such as grilled chicken sandwiches, broiled burgers, salads and low-fat yogurt.
If you need to lose some weight, cutting back on fat is a great way to do it. You can improve your family’s heart health and your figure at the same time.
Put This List On Your Refrigerator As a Reminder!
This page last updated on 3/06/08.