WWC Kids

Calories count, but you aren't counting calories because we did it for you. A WWC KIDS plan is based on calories, but the emphasis is on food groups and proper portions based on age, gender and activity level. The WWC KIDS approach is realistic, sustainable and affordable. Easy to follow for you, your child and the whole family.

Parents, do you mind giving us a minute to speak to your kids one-on-one?

Ok, so your Mom, Dad, pediatrician or the school nurse might have told you that we should meet to talk about your diet. 

So, let's talk about the word diet first! 

By definition "diet" is the type of food that a person habitually eats. Pretty simple right? It doesn't mean anything bad or negative about you, it's just the food you eat. 

Don't worry if you aren't sure about where to start, what to eat or how much. It's something that changes as you grow. You and your family are learning together and WWC KIDS will guide you.

Next important question we know you have is … can I still have treats? Yes, you can! You'll learn why some foods might be better than others. You'll make grown-up big kid decisions about what you want to eat based on how you want to feel and what you want to accomplish! You have a super power that we call FORK POWER® and we will teach you the healthiest way to use it!

Body weight and BMI can be very misleading when assessing the health for the majority of children age 5 to 17 years old, and will misclassify children with a large frame and solid build. Measuring body fat levels is a better method of assessing heath, and the effectiveness of lifestyle choices children and adults make. 

Independent research has established body fat curves that reflect the known differences in the development of fat and lean body mass in boys and girls. The curves are similar by gender until puberty, with boys proportionately decreasing body fat while girls continue to gain. These differences are not revealed in existing data based on BMI. 

We have a test for that!

Some children are very finicky about the food they eat and it’s easy to label them “Picky Eaters” when they might be more selective because they are supertasters!

Food flavors are much stronger for supertasters than for average tasters because they have more taste buds. This often leads to supertasters having very strong likes and dislikes for different food. Supertasters might find food like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and grapefruit to taste very bitter. It takes time (and patience) to train those taste buds to like strong, bitter, sour tasting foods.

The opposite of a supertaster is a non-taster. Non-tasters have very few taste buds and, to them, most food may seem bland and unexciting. Non-tasters might be heavy handed with salt and other condiments as they look for flavor. The people in the middle are average tasters. Taster category can have an impact on not only your child’s food intake but later on their health.

To discuss supertaster testing for your child call Weight Wellness Center KIDS at 201-636-2143.

On average, research has shown that repeated exposure to a new food can turn neophobia (fear of new foods) into neophilia (liking of new foods). 

There’s a magic number and it's 15! Yes, it might take 15 tries before your child will train those taste buds into accepting the flavor profile of a new food. Here’s a hint: Try it different ways — broccoli will taste differently if it’s roasted, steamed, boiled, or raw. Contact WWC KIDS today to learn more!

WWC KIDS has partnered with an industry leader in the development of our solution-oriented HIPAA compliant online platform. WWC KIDS program materials and telehealth tutoring sessions, tracking and more are conveniently accessible in our mobile app. Here are some of the features:

• Self-monitoring: Keeping a food and water journal has never been easier no matter if you are inputting foods for your child or they are doing it themselves.

• Goal setting: Whether it's drinking more water or adding more veggies to your plate, a realistic and successful goal setting increases self-confidence.

• Physical activity support: Your WWC KIDS tutor is there to cheer you on as you work on moving more.

• Healthy eating support: As your child keeps their food journal online, your tutor will be able to make adjustments during telehealth sessions to help keep your child on track and their FORK POWER strong!

• Social support via personalized feedback delivered by your WWC KIDS FOOD TUTOR: Everyone likes to hear "Way to go"! Your FOOD TUTOR will be there with you each forkful with motivational and easy ways to make those goals a reality

Body Composition

• One out of 3 children in the United States is now considered overweight or obese. Using percentiles, growth charts, weight, and body mass index (BMI) alone can be misleading. 
• WWC KIDS utilizes an FDA child body fat scale that gives a truer picture of children’s health levels by measuring and classifying healthy body fat levels by using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology. The scale is designed for children ages 5 to 17 years old, taking each gender’s physical developmental milestones into account.
• This is an invaluable tool for your WWC KIDS Food Tutor, pediatrician, parents and caregivers to use to encourage children to make healthier lifestyle choices and see that they’re working!
  

WWC KIDS includes online access to education modules the whole family can benefit from, focusing on:

Nutrition

Activity

Behavior Modification