In our increasingly digital world, getting kids moving has become more challenging. But it is more important than ever. Today's kids face stresses on every level, from increased risk of mental health problems like depression and anxiety, to difficulty concentrating, to physical health risks like obesity and prediabetes. For each of these challenges, exercise is medicine. The Physical Health Benefits Physical activity strengthens growing bones and muscles, improves cardiovascu

We need to talk about screen time. If you're a parent in 2025, you're navigating something unprecedented: raising children in a world where screens are everywhere, always accessible, and increasingly necessary for school, social connection, and daily life. You've probably wondered: How much is too much? Is my child getting enough physical activity? Am I setting the right limits? Let me share what the research tells us—and more importantly, what actually works in real families

There’s so much going on right now in the world of nutrition and health, along with a lot of misinformation, I am back to the blog to share credible nutrition and health information you can trust. Did you know that nearly 70% of the food kids eat (and 60% of the calories they consume) are ultra-processed foods? Let that sink in for a moment. 7 of every 10 food items our kids consume have been extensively processed in ways that go far beyond anything we'd ever concoct in our h

As the proud mom of 2 teens, I get to experience firsthand the highs and lows in trying to raise healthy teenagers. Some days are easier...

We have long known that diets 'don't work'. Not only do diets not work, they are detrimental to teens' health. A short-term quick-fix...

learn how to prevent food allergies

Eating family meals together goes a long way in promoting great mental and physical health for the whole family. Learn more in this...

Question How do I help my picky eater try more healthy foods? 9/24/2021 Natalie D. Muth, MD, MPH, RDN, FAAP Answer ​​Picky eating in...

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines break down nutrition recommendations by age, though, of course some themes span across the lifespan. The...

Building on last week's post on the new Dietary Guidelines, which for the first time include recommendations for ages 0-2 as well as the...

One of my favorite parts of being a pediatrician is knowing my patients from when they are newborns. And now that we are more than 9...

I'm thrilled to share this Shout Out that the SD Voyager published, highlighting the work that I am doing with great friend, partner, and...

The New York Times recently published what I think is a very informative guide to help parents choose the "right" pediatrician. I...

It's hard to believe the summer is over, and even harder to believe that back-to-school this year means back to Zoom, but here we are. In...

Every month exciting new research comes out that helps us figure out what steps work best in raising healthy eaters. This past month the...

The COVID-19 quarantine has inspired many families to spend more time in the kitchen making home-cooked meals together. Now that summer...

Wow, it's been a long time since I posted. As for many people, the COVID-19 pandemic has knocked me off my feet and totally disrupted my...

The Family Fit Plan strives to help families boost health by improving habits in one or more areas of nutrition, physical activity,...

The Family Fit Plan helps families optimize health and well being with a focus on 5 key areas - nutrition, physical activity, sleep,...

Continuing my blog series on the Family Fit Plan tips, I'm including a post outlining some ideas for a nutrition makeover. This is a big...