Be Careful With Those Food Pouches

Welcome to our kids' fitness newsletter. Every week, we help parents make healthy choices for their kids with quick tips about diet and exercise, all in under 5 minutes. Children fitness trainers are here to distill tried and true advice while simplifying the latest research. Be sure to subscribe now to stay up to date.

• 🏋️ Fitness: Strengthening Kids' Exercise Goals

• 🍎 Nutrition: Breaking the Food Pouch Habit

• 📆 Upcoming Events

Fitness

Working on the Body Strengthens the Mind

Regular physical activity helps kids build strong bodies but it’s also essential for their mental well-being. Research shows that children who stay active are more likely to experience better mental health as they grow into teenagers. Exercise can boost brain function, reduce stress, and lower the risk of anxiety and depression.

While your kids are getting stronger and faster they are sharpening their minds too. A study found that children who performed better in cardio activities, like sprints, had sharper cognitive skills as they matured. Plus, being physically fit can lead to improved self-esteem and lower levels of stress, helping kids feel more confident and ready to face challenges.

But there’s a catch, too much screen time can undermine some of these benefits. While screens are a part of everyday life, balancing technology use with physical activity is crucial. Encouraging kids to spend more time moving and less time on screens will help ensure they reap the full benefits of exercise.

According to the CDC, physical activity for children offers numerous benefits:

• Enhances attention and memory

• Lowers the risk of depression

• Strengthens muscles and builds endurance

• Improves blood pressure and heart health

• Helps maintain a healthy weight

Getting kids moving is one of the best things parents can do to support their child’s mental and physical health. Whether it’s through school activities, sports, or a kid’s gym like ours, regular exercise is key to helping kids grow into happy, healthy teens.

Nutrition

Breaking the Food Pouch Habit

Food pouches (those convenient little squeeze packs) seem like a parent’s dream, right? Quick, easy, and mess-free. They have become so popular that sales have increased 900% since 2010.

But here’s the thing, they’re not always the best option for kids' development. Just recently, the FDA recalled 3 million cinnamon applesauce pouches that contained extremely high levels of lead, after dozens of children across the United States were found to be suffering from lead poisoning.

Pediatric dietitians have found that relying too much on food pouches can make it harder for children to learn healthy eating habits and experience a variety of textures and flavors, while also developing dental issues. Plus, they can lead to a lack of engagement in meal times.

How to ditch the pouch and encourage better habits:

• Introduce whole foods early - Gradually transition from pureed foods to foods that require chewing. Offering a variety of textures helps develop important motor skills.

• Make meals an experience - Eating should involve all the senses, not just taste. Let your child touch, smell, and see a variety of fresh, colorful ingredients on their plate.

• Get them involved - Kids are more likely to eat what they help prepare. Let them wash veggies, stir ingredients, or even pick out snacks at the grocery store.

• Model good eating habits - Eat with your child and show them that you enjoy healthy, balanced meals. Children are keen observers, and when they see you reaching for fresh fruits and veggies, they’re more likely to follow suit.

Fitwize News

📆 Events

• Here’s a sneak peak at our upcoming events:

• No-School Camp - Nov. 5 and 11

• Nerf Wars - Nov. 15

• Schools Out Thanksgiving Break November 25th-27th

👉 All Events

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