The Calorie-Kid Connection: Could Your Kids Be Making You Fat?

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

We’ve all heard of and are aware of the common stereotype of mom jeans, the most “unflattering” fashion to the female figure. But, according to women the extra room in the hips and butt, especially after the birth of baby, is much appreciated.

But, now the shift from “sexiness” to “comfort” may be “justified”.

According to research and statistics adults with (young) children, tend to pack on more pounds than childless couples and all because of an overindulgence of saturated fats. In fact, they note that moms and dads take in enough saturated fat to equal one frozen pepperoni pizza per week.

Research revealed that adults residing with children on average consumed 4.9 grams of fat, including 1.7 additional grams of saturated fats than childless couples/households.

In fact, studies show that (most) households with children consumed more “convenience” foods such as ice cream, chips, and other sugar and salt and preservative laden snacks.

And, experts suggest that while some saturated fat can be incorporated into your diet the key to good health and good nutrition is finding a tasteful balance.

· Opt for popcorn or low-salt pretzels in lieu of high-fat potato chps.

· Serve children over 2, lower fat milk in place of whole milk.

· Replace butter and margarine when cooking or baking with first cold-pressed olive oil.

· Limit your consumption of fast foods including pizza and when you “do” indulge, opt for lower-fat items but limit the amount you eat.