How to prevent obesity in children

Obesity in children is a huge problem.  With Type 2 diabetes on the rise, it is the #1 health threat to children.

• Don't ban all junk food or turn it into such a big deal that your kids crave it all the more.

• Don't turn meals into a battle zone. Sitting down to eat as a family is a good antidote to obesity. Studies show families who eat at the table together eat less, and eat better foods, than families who eat at fast food restaurants or in front of the television.

• Use a color code, with "green light", "red light" and "yellow light" to signal how healthy or unhealthy foods are. Then let the kids make their own choices -- they love to be the experts.

• Teach your kids about portion control. One way is to get divided plastic plates and teach them to fill two of the four sections with fruits and vegetables, the other two with protein and healthy carbs.

• Teach your kids to be savvy consumers. Children are bombarded with an average 40,000 junk food ads a year. Help them understand the sales pitch and what's really behind the advertiser's message.

• Don't forget to teach them the importance of exercise. If you exercise, you set the right example.

• Food should never be a power struggle.