Children's Food & Activity Log

One in every three children is overweight or obese, according to the Kids Health website. Healthy foods and plenty of physical activity are the basis for healthy children. Keep track of the foods your children eat to be sure that they are getting adequate nutrition by using a food log. You can also create an activity log to see how much daily and weekly physical activity children are doing.

Features and Format

• Food and activity logs for children will differ depending on the needs and function of the logs. Make children's food logs in chart format. Have the days listed on the top of the page and then meals and snacks (such as breakfast, morning snack, etc.) listed on the left-hand side. Other information that you deem necessary (such as allergic reactions, if you are monitoring food allergies) can be listed on the right-hand side of the page. Write each meal down in the appropriate box.

  You can also make activity logs by creating a chart. On the top of the page, list the activity completed and number of minutes, and on the left-hand side of the page, list the days of the week. The University of Missouri Extension has a printable version (see Resources). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest children get at least one hour of activity at least three days per week.

Function

• The function of a food log can depend on the child. Some parents or caregivers may need to keep track of reactions to particular foods for children, when they suspect allergies. Other food logs might exist to keep track of the calories that children are eating or to make sure that they are getting enough of the nutritious foods that they need on a daily basis. As it is recommended that children get an hour of exercise several days per week, an activity log can help you keep track of the time that is spent in physical activity versus other, sedentary activities.

Identification

• Use the food guide pyramid to learn what foods are recommended for children. Each color on the food pyramid stands for a food group: grains, vegetables, fruits, milk/dairy, meats/beans/fish/nuts and oils/fats. The first five food groups should be eaten regularly, with the last (oils and fats) eaten sparingly.

  Children can engage in physical activity both indoors and out. Physical activity can be as simple as riding a bike around the block or can be more involved, such as playing sports. Keeping track of these important activities, as well as the time children spend in front of the television screen, helps you identify parts of your child's day that can be modified.

Considerations

• Children who are classified as overweight or obese have an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and bone and joint problems. These children typically do not get enough physical activity and demonstrate unhealthy eating habits. Creating children's food and activity logs can help combat these issues and put your children on the right track to become healthier individuals.