Welcome to a new category of my blog simply called ‘Healthy Tips.’ Many times, when I write articles for various publications, I need to find sources for the story. Recently, I wrote an article for Yahoo Shine (click here) and PBS (click here) about keeping kids healthy. I was looking for experts and parents to chime in and give their favorite ‘tips’ to help kids (and their families) lead a healthy lifestyle.

The feedback for the story was amazing. The sources had some fantastic points of view that could not be ignored, and I thought their opinions should be viewed on the Your Health Journal web site.

So, enjoy my new series, with some ‘great’ insight from some ‘great’ people giving exceptional and educational points of view.

Eat family meals together at least three days per week.

“Family meals offer a child an opportunity to see what a balanced meal looks like, help parents to plan ahead and make sure healthy food gets on the table (rather than a last minute drive through a fast food restaurant), and offers parents to an opportunity to engage children in meal planning and preparation. The benefits extend beyond childhood obesity prevention to include increased academic success, strengthening of the family bond, and protecting against adolescent risk taking behavior.”

– Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RD, a pediatrician and registered dietitian widely recognized for her expertise in childhood obesity, nutrition, and fitness. Dr. Muth is also the author Eat Your Vegetables! and Other Mistakes Parents Make: Redefining How to Raise Healthy Eaters (April 2012).