Taking on the obesity crisis

UC Cooperative Extension nutrition, family and consumer sciences advisor for Tulare County, Cathi Lamp, suggested strategies for families wishing to skirt the obesity epidemic at a recent presentation that was covered by the press.

Lamp was quoted frequently in a story written by family therapist Bev Thompson for the Visalia Times-Delta.

"Research shows that what works is parents setting healthy limits and providing structure for nutrition and lifestyle changes," Lamp was quoted.

Lamp offered the following suggestions to parents:

• Model healthy behaviors
• Don't use food as a reward
• Serve milk at all meals, use nonfat or 1 percent milk in sauces, and make pudding for dessert
• Increase naturally sweet fresh fruits and vegetables
• Take your children to the farmers' markets around the Central Valley
• Serve water throughout the day when kids are thirsty

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