Nutrition Expert Keri Glassman Gives Lecture on "ABC's of Nutrition"

Is that famous saying "you are what you eat" really true?  

According to nutrition expert Keri Glassman, the answer is a resounding "Yes!"

But, she adds, getting children and parents on the path to a more nutritious life is as much about taking a lifestyle approach to food as it is about the foods on our plates.

Glassman, a certified nutritionist and author, spoke Wednesday at the Rye Neck High School auditorium about "The ABC's Of Nutrition and Early Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders."  The evening's lecture was sponsored by Heard In Rye.

Glassman calls her system a whole-person approach.  She said people must understand that "food has power" over their lives.  The foods we eat affect how we sleep, how we feel and how we look. In return, these factors determine what and how we eat the very next day.

"Once we recognize the chain effect that nutrients, hydration, sleep, exercise and stress have over one another the more we can be in control of them," Glassman said

Here are Glassman's suggestions for how parents can become more mindful and healthy eaters, and in turn, teach their children the same habits:

Food fuels our energy, our brainpower and our immunity.  A quick way to get started on the road to better eating habits is to simply ask yourself: What is this food or drink going to do for me? Then ask the same question of your child's diet, according to Glassman.

"Parents often don't realize how much food can effect their child's behavior," she said. "Something as simple as not getting enough hydration during the day can cause them to have low energy and act irritable in the evenings."

Seek Balance and Be Patient when approaching your children's eating habits, Glassman said.

"We have all been there. When they are young we worry that they are not eating enough, then when they are older we worry that they are eating too much," she said. "As a parent, knowing when to step back is just as important as knowing when to step in when it comes to food." 

Glassman lists her MVPs of good nutrition as: Iron, Calcium, B-Vitamins, Fiber, Zinc and Antioxidants.  She offered some easy tips to incorporate them more into every stage of a child's life. (Examples of her family friendly tips and recipes can be found on her website nutritiouslife.com)

Encourage better habits:

Glassman said snack time for toddlers should also be real food time.  Forgo snack foods for lean proteins, whole grains and fruits and veggies. 

For school-aged kids, parents should involve then in grocery shopping, allow them to help with meal preparations and let them help pack their own lunches.  Getting them involved often makes them willing to eat healthier foods.

For teenagers, sometimes the only meal parents can control is their breakfast, so make it a powerhouse of a meal, Glassman said.

Keep the television off during meals and encourage more physical activity at every age.

Childhood obesity and diseases like hypertension and Diabetes Type 2--never before associated with childhood--are sadly on the rise.  They are of incredible concern, Glassman said. 

Read labels and know the words to avoid 

Glassman said parents should avoid trans fats, nitrates, sulfites, caffeine, BHT/BHA (often found in cereals) ,MSG and all artificial sweeteners. They should also be cautious of fish containing heavy amounts of mercury and of possible allergic foods, such as nuts, for younger children.

Parents should be concerned with their children's sugar consumption. Glassman said drinking soda is probably the worst habit of most young adults because these drink contain empty calories.  Soft drinks fill kids up, but make them less likely to eat the nutrient-filled foods they need, she said.

Glassman also discussed eating disorders in younger adults. She said eating disorders can be caused by many different factors, but that the best prevention is for parents to provide guidance and be a good role model to their children.

Parents should avoid talking about their own food issues or body issues in front of children, make healthy family meals a priority, avoid using food as a punishment or reward, and talk to children about how to cope if they are ever teased about their body.

Parents should take notice if their kids begin to obsess about food or their weight, avoid eating in front of other people, go to the bathroom soon after eating, take laxatives, wear baggie clothes or experience sudden weight loss.

The National Eating Disorders Association  is a great resource for parents. The association can be reached at 1-800-931-2237.

Glassman said a nutritious lifestyle should always be approached as a family affair. Let them help you shop for groceries and be involved in meal planning and cooking. Parents should make it a priority to eat as a family whenever possible and always have lots of healthy food choices on hand.