07/09/2026
Navigating today's food environment as a parent is no easy task—especially when ultraprocessed foods make up over half of modern diets. But eating healthier doesn't mean aiming for perfection or cutting out every treat your kids love! 🍏✨
In this guide for the [Obesity Action Coalition](https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/raising-healthy-kids/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=64ee81e4-da90-479c-93ca-4a562b54ea6c), Dr. Natalie Muth and Cassandra Padgett break down simple, guilt-free ways to help kids eat more "real food" without the stress:
🥣 Start smart: Overnight slow-cooker oatmeal sets a healthy tone and beats morning chaos.
🍇 Smart snack swaps: Keep cold, crunchy veggies and fruit visible for when kids come home starving.
🥗 Balance, don't ban: Pair favorite comfort foods like pizza or nuggets with carrot sticks or a side salad.
🔥 Involve the kids: Teaching teens to grill or prep meals builds lifelong cooking skills.
💬 Prioritize connection: Eating together supports both physical and mental well-being.
Small changes add up over time—no need to do it all at once! Read the full list of tips and get the recipe for Slow-Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/raising-healthy-kids/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=64ee81e4-da90-479c-93ca-4a562b54ea6c
Mr Zaher Toumi: Weight loss Medication Support Group Mr Zaher Toumi: Obesity & Bariatric Surgery Support Group UKCPObesity Obesity Action Coalition - OAC
By Natalie D. Muth, MD, MPH, MBA, RDN, FAAP, FACSM, DABOM and Cassandra Padgett, MS Summer 2026 Studies show that more than half of the food we eat is ultraprocessed. From birthday parties and social gatherings filled with cake and candy, youth sports practices and games with sports drinks and packa...