What's the best way to ensure your child maintains a healthy
weight as he enters the school years? Plenty of exercise and
good dietary habits. Your child needs less fat in his diet now.
No more than 35 percent of his total calories should come from
fats. Low-fat and skim milk are fine. Many 5-year-olds find it
hard to get by on three meals a day. Provide healthy snacks that
are low in added sugar, such as fresh fruit, vegetables and dip,
whole wheat crackers, pretzels, and yogurt. Meals should be a
happy, peaceful time. So avoid haranguing your child to clean
his plate or to sit at the table until he's tried "just one
bite" of a food he dislikes. Nor should you offer food as a
consolation when he's blue or as a bribe to get him to do
something. If you're concerned about your child's weight,
mention it to his doctor, who will be able to tell you where he
actually falls in terms of height and weight proportionality.
Together you can review your child's diet and activity levels to
see whether there are other pla