Children with a Weight Issues

Winter is coming and kids are more and more in front of TV sets, playing games and eating. United States has unhealthy kids; big percentage will grow into obese adults. Two-thirds of American population is overweight, and more than 30% suffer from obesity, but sad thing is that there has been a dramatic increase in childhood obesity.

It is a huge problem and we as a responsible parents need to start thinking ahead what to do to make them go in a right direction. It might be harder than you think, but we can help each other to make better future for them. Most of the adults are struggling with the same problem, and children are our reflection. They are who we are!

I will tell you some suggestion how to lead your child to lose weight and develop healthy lifestyle and habits:

For the start, you have to stop buying boxed food, prepackaged lunches, and unhealthy treats such a chips and cookies.

It is important to have healthy attitudes earlier in the child's development, so you are there to be the example.

Soda is not good for anybody, therefore kids should not drink it what so ever; but water, fresh and natural juices are always welcome in a kid's diet. If you are buying juice then look at sugar level in the nutritional label. Home cooked meals are the best food for the child.

If they like cereals and milk, again look at the label how many vitamins and nutrition in general your child will get. Believe it or not, many cereals are not healthy; they are loaded with the sugar, food coloring and not many healthy factors.

For children older than 2 years the best milk is reduced or low fat (skim milk). They will not lose anything in nutrition, only reduced the fat part.

However, light soymilk and Almont milk are wonderful choices as well.

Just like adults, children need Omega 3 fats, which is good and friendly fat. Omega 3 will support children's brain and immune system.

Do not offer child a cookie to reword him/her, instead offer their favorite fresh fruit or handful of nuts. If they love sweet, so much and you cannot say No! Try to make that only one time daily.
In addition, offer more grains such as oatmeal, whole grain bread and pasta.

Let them know that the kitchen is closed after dinner!

Plan outdoor fun in the park, walk with your kids, play tennis, football, soccer, or just have fun running around. It does not cost anything to have fun at your local park or playground!

If getting out for you is just impossible to do often, there is always alternative way to get your child to do more activity, such as Wii games. My children exercise every day about an hour or two before supper. 30 minutes or more is great for child. Fun exercise with Wii Fit or Wii sports game will keep them motivated do reach their goal.

Last suggestion is that they have to go in bed earlier. Sleeping is very important for adults, but I think that children are in need for good night sleep even more.

Good nutritional breakfast,

Portion sized and balanced meals,

Healthy snacks and water,

Daily activity (at least 30 minutes),

Avoiding fast food,

Goodnight sleep;

Combine all the facts for your child's long, happy and healthy life!

It will help you, your children and your family!

Some sources from: http://kidshealth.org/