The number of children with obesity has continued to rise over the past two decades. You may question why doctors are troubled by this trend or why it continues to rise over the years. As a parent or concerned adult we must do our best to educate children with healthy habits to become healthy adults. What steps can we take to prevent obesity in children? Below are some tips to encourage our families to lead children on a path of health.
How can I as a guardian or parent prevent obesity or being overweight for my child?
The main goal is to lower the rate of weight gained while also allowing normal development and growth.
Try balancing your child’s calorie intake from the food and beverages they consume.
When balancing calories in what your child is consuming focus on foods that provide appropriate nutrition. Express importance on what the child eats by developing healthy eating habits and search for ways to incorporate more healthier dishes with reduced calories.
Another factor when balancing calories is to engage in the appropriate amount of physical activity. Avoid time being sedentary. Incorporating regular physical activity in your child’s life can benefit them greatly. It strengthens bones, reduces stress/anxiety, weight management, boost in self-esteem, and lowers blood pressure.
Encouraging healthy habits
Lean meats, fish, poultry
Up water intake and reduce sugary drinks
Decrease or rid sugar and saturated fats from diet
Add fruits, vegetables and whole grain products to diet
Focus on appropriate portions
Small changes lead to big successes
Keep your Kids active
A good measurement for daily exercise is at least 60 minutes, preferably daily. A good way to implement this into our child’s life is to incorporate it into our lives as adults. Children tend to mimic the behavior of adults they are around. Examples of moderate physical activities include: Swimming, jogging, playing soccer, basketball, dancing, tag, jumping rope, going for a brisk walk.