Smart Bites
Published on October 11, 2018
By Bhavana Arora, MD, Medical Director, CHLA Health Network
Have you ever chased your toddler around with a spoon, flying it like an airplane, hoping to land one morsel of food in the child’s mouth? If so, your child might be a picky eater. Picky eaters respond... Read More
Published on November 14, 2017
November is American Diabetes Month, with the purpose of increasing awareness of this growing health issue. It is a good opportunity to learn about the different types of diabetes and treatments used to manage them. There are several types of diabetes, but this article will... Read More
Published on August 18, 2017
Often times when children or adolescents are not growing well, they are encouraged to eat a high-calorie diet to help promote weight gain. While it might seem easier to provide fast food, candy and other junk food to increase calories, it is still important to focus on... Read More
Published on July 12, 2017
Trying to eat healthy today can be a challenge. You can eat all the right foods, but if the portion sizes are not appropriate, you may not be eating as healthy as you think you are. Portion sizes (especially for high-calorie/low-nutrient foods) have increased greatly over... Read More
Published on June 27, 2017
Summer vacation is upon us, and with summer comes a variety of summer sports leagues. During this time of year, many children attend daylong sports camps and meets, weekend-long tournaments, and late-afternoon-into-evening sporting events. Although many events have... Read More
Published on May 24, 2017
The weather is changing with warmer temperatures and longer days, which is always an exciting sign that summer is near. With more opportunities to be more active outside, chances are we are going to be sweating and drinking more fluids throughout the day. Maintaining... Read More
Published on May 10, 2017
In today’s era of social media and 24-hour news cycles, exposure to nutrition information is greater than ever. Like with any other news sources, however, it can sometimes be difficult to know whom to trust.
In a handful of states, including California, the title “... Read More
Published on March 20, 2017
The Food Pyramid that most of us learned about in school is now ancient history. That old guideline on food groups and servings has been replaced by MyPlate. The MyPlate concept was designed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote healthy eating... Read More
Published on February 21, 2017
Early on when my son started trying solid foods, he would eat everything I put in front of him and like it. I remember thinking to myself, “He’s going to be such a good eater.” (My husband and I like everything and eat a wide variety of foods.) Although he still is, since he... Read More
Published on January 19, 2017
In the U.S., food allergies affect 1 in 13 children. Among food allergies, peanut allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis. It is life threatening, and the economic and psychosocial burdens that come with it make life much more difficult for patients and their families.... Read More
Published on November 23, 2016
Lunch is an important meal of the day for school-aged children. It gives them a chance to take a break from learning and re-fuel for the afternoon. The school year is well underway, and you may be debating whether to pack a lunch for your child or participate in the school... Read More
Published on November 8, 2016
All people with a food allergy should be taught by a registered dietitian, nutritionist or other clinician to read food labels and avoid offending foods.
If your child has a food allergy, it is very important that you read all packaged food labels to... Read More
Published on October 10, 2016
Sodium is a mineral—an essential nutrient that is commonly found in many foods. It is used by the body to control blood pressure, blood volume, and muscle and nerve function. Maintaining an appropriate sodium balance not only benefits heart health, but also bone, brain,... Read More
Published on July 5, 2016
The topic of poop is a touchy subject for most and sometimes people think it is taboo to talk about. But poop, also called stool, can tell you a great deal about what’s going on with your child’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract, so it’s important to discuss with your child’s... Read More
Published on June 16, 2016
Oh the joys of adulthood, the to-do list never ends! But wait, isn’t a joy getting to decide which foods we buy and ultimately get to eat? Gone are the days of asking or begging someone to buy you a special something—no, you are now in control. With grocery shopping though,... Read More
Published on June 14, 2016
People with food allergies must avoid their allergens (the foods that trigger the immune reaction), and their diets must be restricted to safe foods. Restricted diets aren’t easy on children. Younger children may feel frustrated when they can’t share the same food as... Read More
Published on June 13, 2016
As a registered dietitian, and more importantly as a mom, I absolutely couldn’t wait for the moment I was able to start feeding my child solid food. This was a moment of great uncertainty, not only for our child, but for us as parents. I wondered what food was best to start... Read More
Published on April 22, 2016
The Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend infants receive breast milk or formula exclusively until around 4 to 6 months of age.
The AAP has a great guide detailing the general introduction of solid foods for healthy infants—learn... Read More
Published on March 31, 2016
Choosing a formula can be a daunting task when breast milk is not an option. With numerous brands and types of formula, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Here is a primer on what you’ll you need to know when you’re faced with choosing the right formula for... Read More
Published on December 11, 2015
Tips on helping your family from over-eating and staying healthy during the holiday festivities.
We all know the holidays are the busiest time of the year, often filled with plenty of holiday treats. Many times we don't make the healthiest decisions during this time.... Read More