Children who get plenty of exercise and eat a well-balanced diet are better able to perform and concentrate at school and grow and develop as they should. With obesity on the rise, children may need more information about why living a healthy lifestyle is so important. A child who is obese between the ages of 10 and 13 is at an 80 percent higher risk of being obese in adulthood, reports the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology. Healthy eating and exercise lowers the chance of being overweight and protects a child's health.
Healthy Eating
Healthy eating that is encouraged from a young age gives children the message that it is a way of life and increases the chances that they will make good decisions on their own. A well-balanced diet includes a variety of foods from all the food groups, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean protein and healthy fats in moderation. This ensures that a child is getting adequate intake of the nutrients needed to support growth, development and overall health.
Exercise
The American Psychological Association recommends at least 60 minutes of daily exercise for children. Regular physical fitness helps a child perform well in the classroom, increases self-esteem, helps with coping in stressful situations and reduces the risk of depression and anxiety. In addition, exercise improves bone and muscle strength and controls weight. Being overweight due to lack of exercise increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and trouble breathing or sleeping.
Role of the Family
Your children learn a lot about making choices from your example so modeling healthy behaviors helps them make the right decisions as they grow. Family meal time is a powerful way to do this. Children who regularly eat meals with their family are more likely to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and are less likely to choose junk food at snack time, according to KidsHealth. Stocking your pantry and refrigerator with healthy foods that your child sees you eating is another good way to teach her good eating habits. Allow your child to help you prepare a meal, which increases the chances that she will try something she otherwise wouldn't have. Feed your child every couple of hours to keep hunger at bay, which helps prevent reaching for unhealthy snacks. Limiting television cuts down on the junk food commercials your child sees, reducing their appeal.
Role of the School
While parents have a large part of the responsibility of teaching children healthy eating and exercise habits, schools should be instilling the importance of both in the classroom. An age-appropriate curriculum is a good way to help children understand that their health relies on eating a well-balanced diet and getting enough physical activity each day. At the same time, schools that get rid of vending machines and offer healthy foods in the cafeteria are helping students learn, develop and grow to the best of their ability. Teachers and other staff members should model good habits by eating a healthy lunch and promoting nutrition and exercise activities in the classroom, cafeteria and playground.
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