We all want our children to be healthy. Experts in the United Kingdom and the United States report childhood obesity is a growing problem that could lead to severe health conditions. One thing is for sure. Childhood obesity is not our children’s fault.
Food manufacturers target kids. Unhealthy snack packaging is brightly colored with photos of children eating these foods with big smiles. Famous cartoon characters are used to attract young children. After all, if Spiderman, Barbie, and others think junk food is good, why would a child question it? Further, food labels are misleading. Food producers have 56 different names for sugar. You may read a label and think it is sugar-free, only to find it is loaded with sugars under a different label.
Planning For Your Child’s Health
The health battle for your family can be challenging, but it is necessary and can be done. The first thing you must embrace as a family is this. Children will usually do what they see their parents do. Keep healthy snack options, such as fruit, vegetables, and nuts, readily available and visible. You can also encourage your kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help them feel fuller and less tempted to snack. Water can be flavored with fruit juice to make it tastier.
Include your kids in meal planning and preparation to help them learn about healthy eating habits and better understand what they put into their bodies. Explain what various types of food do for them. Which foods give them the energy to help them play their favorite games? Explain how certain foods build their bones and teeth. Having an open dialogue with your kids makes them feel responsible and empowered. It shows them respect, and it teaches them to respect you too.
Adopt a Zero Tolerance For Those Who Will Not Cooperate
I am not suggesting your child cannot have an occasional treat. For example, a slice of birthday cake or a special holiday treat will not ruin their lives. You want them to avoid developing a taste for sugar, soda, and salty treats. So, you keep them within safe limits. The people you allow in your children’s lives must accept your rules and goals.
Having an honest conversation with family and friends to keep your kids on their meal plan can be challenging. It will be more difficult with grandparents, teachers, and very close relatives. However, they can visit the children at your home if they refuse to go with the plan. They will soon get the message.
There are things you can do to help ensure everyone is on board. Communicate your child’s dietary needs and goals with family and friends so they understand why sticking to the meal plan is essential. Please give them a copy of the meal plan and any necessary instructions or recipes to make it easier. Offer to supply your child’s food or snacks to gatherings so they have options that fit their meal plan. Finally, remind family and friends that supporting your child’s dietary needs is vital in helping them maintain their overall health and well-being.
Tips For A Sugar-Free Home
- Frozen berries, orange slices, and other fruits added to their bottled water are fun and healthy and will draw the attention of the other children.
- Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches, rice cakes, and homemade sugar-free snacks and wrap them in colored plastic wrap.
- Provide dips. They can dip pretzels or cracker sticks made of healthy ingredients.
- Make a sugar-free pie, sugar-free pudding pops, or fruit kebabs for a healthy snack if there is a family event. You can also use your child’s favorite raw veggies for your kebabs.
Remember to have fun!
Incorporating sports, dance, and other activities for fun is a great way to help your child stay active and engaged. Encouraging your child to participate in activities they enjoy can help them develop a love for physical activity that will stay with them throughout their life.
You can start by exploring different options with your child and allowing them to choose activities that interest them. This could include team sports like soccer or basketball, individual sports like swimming or running, or activities like dance or martial arts. Once you’ve identified some activities your child wants to try, look for local programs or classes that offer instruction and practice. You can also make physical activity a part of your family’s routine by taking walks together, going on bike rides, or playing games outside.
So, take charge of the health of your family today. Every member f the gamily will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Childhood obesity will not vanish. Celebrate your child’s successes and encourage them to keep trying, even if they encounter setbacks or challenges. Limit children’s time watching television, videos, and playing electronic games. Guard them from mindless snacking while they are doing these activities.
If you were blessed with children, take their health seriously. If you come from a family that struggles with obesity, do not be afraid to seek professional help. It is up to you to control your children’s eating habits. Work on this as a family; you will all benefit from the effort.
Here at Selfweightloss, we show you how to lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle with tips and articles on Weight Loss, Fitness, Diet, Nutrition and Food, updated daily by our community of authors and editors.
