Which practice is recommended to assist overweight children?

• A. Don't reward children for good behavior or try to stop bad behavior with treats.
• B. Don't insist that children finish all the food on their plates.
• C. Do provide healthy foods and drinks.
• D. Teach the children why these foods and drinks are healthy.

Answer: (C)

Providing healthy foods and drinks sets up the daily eating environment to support a healthy weight. When the meals and snacks offered are nutrient-dense and balanced, children get the nutrients they need while naturally limiting excess calories. This practical step helps establish reliable, healthier eating patterns that can reduce the risk of overweight and promote better growth.

Think of it as shaping what options are readily available and appealing. If fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-sugar beverages are consistently offered, children are more likely to choose them and develop tastes for nutritious foods. This approach also supports gradual, sustainable change more effectively than relying on rewards or insisting a child finish every bite, which can backfire or create negative associations with eating.

The other ideas—avoiding food rewards, not forcing kids to clear their plates, or teaching why foods are healthy—are useful components of healthy feeding practices, but providing healthy foods and drinks is the most direct, actionable step to assist overweight children by shaping their actual intake.