Taking on the obesity crisis

Aug 28, 2008

UC Cooperative Extension nutrition, family and consumer sciences advisor for Tulare County, Cathi Lamp, suggested strategies for families wishing to skirt the obesity epidemic at a recent presentation that was covered by the press.

Lamp was quoted frequently in a story written by family therapist Bev Thompson for the Visalia Times-Delta.

"Research shows that what works is parents setting healthy limits and providing structure for nutrition and lifestyle changes," Lamp was quoted.

Lamp offered the following suggestions to parents:

  • Model healthy behaviors
  • Don't use food as a reward
  • Serve milk at all meals, use nonfat or 1 percent milk in sauces, and make pudding for dessert
  • Increase naturally sweet fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Take your children to the farmers' markets around the Central Valley
  • Serve water throughout the day when kids are thirsty

By Jeannette E. Warnert
Author - Communications Specialist
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