Greet your returning campers with a newly remodeled kitchen – not new wallpaper or cabinets or even a new refrigerator, but instead remodel the inside of the refrigerator and cabinets.

During your child’s stay at Camp Shane, a controlled environment that encouraged healthy food selection and exercise promoted weight loss. In order for your child to have continued success, the home environment must change.

Parents should take this opportunity to schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian in your community. A registered dietitian can help you and your family by developing healthy nutrition plans and providing nutrition information to make it easier for you to shop for food. Find a registered dietitian in your area by logging on to www.eatright.org

REDUCE OR LIMIT
· Sugar -avoid soda, juice and sweetened cereal; limit sugar snacks to once per day
· Fat - use low fat dairy products and low fat dressing or condiments. Fat-free products may have a higher amount of sugar.
· Fried foods or high fat snacks

ENCOURAGE
· Lean meat and fish (fish consumption should be two times per week)
· 5 servings per day of fruit and vegetables
· 6-8 glasses per day of water
· Whole grain breads, cereal, brown rice, wheat pasta and beans
· Healthy snacks less than 100 calories and 3 grams fat

AVOID
· Fast food more than once per week, especially after school for a quick snack
· Do not eat out more than once a week unless you can implement eating out rules

BAN (10 worst foods for kids, per the Family Nutrition Center of South Florida)
1. Prepackaged lunches
2. Instant flavored noodles
3. Hot dogs
4. Fruit roll-ups
5. Toaster tarts
6. Cereal with candy or sugar-coated cereal
7. Soda, coffee, tea
8. Fruit flavored drinks
9. Candy - sticky or hard
10. Doughnuts

Eating behaviors must be changed too!
· Limit eating to designated areas such as kitchen or dining room
· Prohibit eating while on the computer, doing homework, or watching TV
· Divert a child’s attention and wait 15 minutes in response to complaints of hunger
· Second portions for vegetables only
· Implement the “age/bite” rule for vegetables or a new food - your child’s age determines the number of bites
· Be a good role model - do not expect a child not to eat potato chips if you are
· Batch cook on the weekends for fast healthy meals
· Stock the cabinets with good healthy food - a child cannot be successful if confronted with temptations.

The work done at Camp Shane is just the beginning. Prevention of bad eating habits is the key to good nutrition for your child that will last through a healthy adulthood.