Childhood Obesity - 6 Steps to Raising Healthy Kids
by Mila Sidman
Childhood obesity is on the rise and has become an important topic
amongst parents, politicians and many others.
Our lifestyles have drastically changed. We don’t walk as much as we
used to. We eat pre-packaged or fast foods instead of home cooked meals.
And what exercise can compete with video games?
These days kids would rather spend time on the computer than go outside
and kick a ball around or ride their bikes. And with all the junk food
advertisements aimed at children by the media, us parents definitely
have our jobs cut out for us.
Times have definitely changed but that doesn’t mean we have to
completely give up. It’s just a matter of putting some simple measures
into place.
Here are some easy tips to ensure your kids develop a life-long healthy
lifestyle.
1. Limit your kids television, computer and video games time. This may
not be easy at first, but be persistent. Suggest an activity they can
do, or better yet go outside with them and join in. Children learn
through example, so if you’re all set to go for a bike ride they may
just want to join you.
2. Get your kids involved in the family food shopping. Make a list of
healthy foods everyone agrees on and point out the health benefits to
your kids. You’ll be surprised at how open to eating healthy your kids
can be. You don’t have to drastically cut out the cakes and cookies
altogether, but instead let each child choose one item they can enjoy as
a special treat. This teaches kids to learn about moderation and that ,
yes, they can have cookies or chocolates as treats not as regular food
staples.
3. Don’t super size your kids. Be careful to serve kid appropriate food
portions. Remember, if they’re not fully satisfied they can simply go
back for seconds. Also, teach them to eat slowly and take breaks between
mouthfuls to allow the brain to register when it’s full.
4. Try to avoid branding any foods as “bad for you”. Instead focus on
teaching your kids everything can be enjoyed in moderation. This takes
the pressure off them and gets rid of the diet mentality which can set
them up for a life of yo-yo dieting.
5. Be more active! Simply stated, kids need more activity in their
lives. The same goes for all of us, if we eat more calories than we’re
using up we will gain weight. It’s as simple as that. So get out there
and make it fun. Try not to use the word “exercise”. You want this to be
a lifestyle habit not something that has to be done.
6. Be a positive role model. Rather than focusing on changes for your
child only, change as a family. Have a family meeting and talk about
healthy eating and good nutrition. Explain all the benefits of an active
lifestyle and let your kids suggest some simple activities you can do
together. Start slowly and build up. If you set a good example your kids
will eventually follow. It may not be easy at first, but persist. The
benefits will far outweigh the tantrums and tears you may need to put up
when you first change your lifestyle…. Your kids will thank you for it
in the long run.
Mila Sidman is a mom of three and the creator of
www.easy-kid-recipes.com,
a leading website providing simple, kid-friendly recipes, nutritional
information, meal planning tips, fun kid cooking projects and much more.
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