Small changes and substitutions drastically cut kids' caloric intake

If you're looking to reduce the amount of calories that your kids consumer when eating at home (or elsewhere, for that matter), have you ever tried gradual food substitutions instead of changing things cold turkey?

Just like adults, gradual changes to one's diet can produce a long-term nutritional lifestyle change over time, and a new study concurs.

In the latest meeting of the Obesity Society, a study was presented that stated kids won't compensate for lower-calorie foods by eating more in the day -- as long as the changes made to prepared recipes are minor and other food substitutions are given in gradual doses instead of abrupt changes.