Cut Back on Preschoolers' Fat

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It's not too early to watch their diet

Babies and young toddlers need a good dose of fat and calories to help them grow and develop properly. But by the time they are ready for preschool, it's time to start watching what youngsters eat.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers these recommendations to limit fat in your preschooler's diet: Instead of whole milk, offer your child skim or 2 percent milk.

• Make sure your child's meats are lean cuts, and are grilled or broiled.
• Serve your child modest portions of cheese.
• Cut back on your child's consumption of fruit juice; instead offer whole fruits.
• Offer low-fat snacks, such as fat-free yogurt, fresh fruit, air-popped popcorn and pretzels.
• Prepare food with lower-fat cooking methods, such as roasting, broiling or steaming with non-fat cooking spray, or a bit of olive oil.

Click here for the AAP Web site dedicated to the

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF

Childhood Overweight and Obesity

The AAP hopes to bring awareness to the serious health problem of childhood overweight and obesity; empower pediatricians and families to take action in their homes, offices and communities to prevent childhood obesity; and to support pediatricians, families and community advocates in improving the health status of those children who are already overweight and obese.