1. Thinking Ahead
Obesity is a growing epidemic among our children. It is a complicated illness that leads to a number of health problems during a child's life. Preventing and treating childhood obesity will not only help prevent adult obesity, it will also prevent a large number of chronic illnesses. Childhood obesity has been linked to life-long illness such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and sleeping problems. Taking steps early to prevent obesity for your children early will help them stay healthy long into adulthood.
2. Take Early Steps to Prevent Obesity
A combination of dietary, environmental and genetic factors cause childhood obesity years before you see any signs of obesity in your child. Some studies suggest that nutrition during pregnancy and even the mother's nutrition before getting pregnant can cause childhood obesity. Eating healthy foods before and during pregnancy goes a long way in preventing this problem. Environmental factors like a stressful home environment or lack of sleep can also lead to childhood obesity, because stress and sleep deprivation change the hormones that regulate the metabolism. Try to make sure you and you child have a low stress environment and get plenty of sleep on a regular basis.
3. Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods
What your child eats is still a big determining factor for preventing obesity. Healthy foods include fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and minerals, which are essential for growth. Ensure she eats the recommended servings of vegetable each day and eats only a healthy portion of meat. Avoiding fried foods and drinking lots of water will help your child maintain a healthy metabolism. Substituting water for juice or sodas will ensure your child gets enough fluids without taking in the excess sugars, fats and calories. Eating excess calories--energy your child does not need--is what can make your child obese over time. On the flip side, taking in the right amount of calories in healthy foods will help keep your little one healthy.
4. Exercise Together
Studies show that exercising along with your kids goes a long way in keeping them at a healthy weight. You have the greatest influence on how much activity your child gets on a daily basis. Not only will you kids benefit from the exercise, but they will also love the chance to spend extra time with you. Make sure you chose activities that are fun for everyone in the family. Stay positive and encouraging during the whole time you exercise together.
5. Set the Example
You have the greatest influence on your child's eating habits. Take your child with you to the grocery store as you pick out fresh, healthy foods. Let him see what food you think will keep your whole family healthy. When you get home, try cooking together, and let your child see you eating healthy snacks. Show him that you would rather eat carrots than potato chips, or an apple instead of cookies. If you are eating and cooking healthy foods, your child will do the same. He will learn to prefer the taste of healthy foods over fried and prepared foods, and he will be more likely to chose healthy foods when he is on his own. By setting the example, you can help your child avoid childhood obesity.
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