KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Kids and Eating

Obesity rates are climbing for children and adults all across the country.  Some parents are really trying to create a more healthy attitude at home with their home mealtime routines.  It is an education process that involves every member of the family.  According to a study from Rutgers University, portion sizes have grown by as much as fifty percent in the past 20 years.  At the same time, the average size of a serving plate has grown from 10 to 12 inches.  Dieticians say the size of the plate has something to do with the perception of how much food people are going to eat.  So, the larger the plate, the more food that is put on the plate and the more a person tends to eat.  A lot of parents used to have a rule that their kids had to clean their plate at mealtime.  Some parents have that rule and follow it up with the requirement that if the kids don't clean their plate, they are not allowed to have dessert.  Doctors say that line of thinking is way out of date.  It can also be hurting a child's healthy intake of food.  Instead, doctors advise teaching kids moderation.  He says they need to learn how to pay attention to their bodies.  If they're able to recognize when they are full, then they can choose to stop eating on their own.