According to the American Heart Association, children's obesity is the No. 1 health concern for parents in the United States. Raising heart-healthy children in the age of fast food and processed ingredients may be difficult, but it's not impossible. A variety of tips for kids keeps parents and children leading healthy, physically active lives. Healthy children grow up to become healthy adults.
Exercise
According to the American Heart Association, physically inactive children grow up to become inactive adults. Television and computer time should be limited to two hours or less daily. Parents should not place televisions in bedrooms and should pre-plan television shows to watch. Children can become active by participating in chores such as raking leaves, mopping floors or vacuuming. Family vacations and weekends may include activities such as swimming, hiking and other outdoor recreational activities. The American Heart Association recommends that children continue to stay active after school and not perform homework immediately. Taking a break from the structured environment and participating in physically active playtime before dinner is ideal, suggests the association.
Picky Eaters
Children often are fussy eaters, but most children have staples, such as muffins, pancakes or other foods they enjoy. The American Heart Association suggests adding additional healthy ingredients to foods children already enjoy, such as blueberries to pancakes or fruit slices in cereal. Children enjoy eating a variety of finger foods -- keeping cut carrots, apples and celery sticks within easy reach discourages children for grabbing for unhealthy foods. Parents should avoid cutting out sweet treats such as cookies and ice cream altogether. All foods are OK to eat in moderation.
Family Dinners
Dinnertime should be a family event and planned as often as possible. According to Health.com, children who ate regular family dinners consumed more fruits and vegetables and less soda and fried foods. Fruits and vegetables are a staple in a heart healthy diet. Children are inclined to try new, healthy foods. A child must be exposed to food several times before he may want to regularly consume the food.
References
- American Heart Association: Tips for Raising Heart Healthy Children
- American Dietetic Association: ADA Guide to Healthy Eating for Kids: How Your Children Can Eat Smart from 5 to 12
- American Heart Association: How to Make a Healthy Home
- American Heart Association: Tips for Dealing With a Picky Eater
- Health.com: 8 Reasons to Make Room for Family Dinner
