Whether you have a child who is obese or you are interested in helping children in the community lose weight, childhood obesity is a national epidemic that you can help solve. You don't have to be a doctor or nutritionist to influence children in a healthy way. By setting a good example, providing healthy food options and educating children about which foods are nutritious, you can help them form good eating habits while they are growing.
Step 1
Start with your own refrigerator. Provide a variety of healthy finger foods that your child can snack on throughout the day. These foods may include carrot sticks, grapes, low-fat string cheese and whole wheat crackers with peanut butter.
Step 2
Petition your child's school to remove vending machines with soda and unhealthy snacks. If children don't have access to junk food and soda at school, they are less likely to become obese.
Step 3
Join an organization such as the Stop Obesity Alliance. The alliance, created by George Washington University and based in Washington, D.C., is an organization of health professionals, businesses and other concerned citizens working to help prevent obesity in the United States.
Step 4
Set a good example. By eating healthy and serving only nutritious foods in your house, your children may follow suit. Encourage eating a variety of healthy foods your child enjoys, rather than focusing on the idea of depriving or minimizing the amount of food a child is eating.
Step 5
Encourage outdoor exercise within your family and the community by starting a sports league or weekend activity club. One hour of exercise per day can reduce a child's risk of heart disease as an adult.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not use food or candy as a reward for your child.
- Consult a doctor before placing your child on a restrictive diet.
Member Comments