Stop Childhood Obesity -- Ways To Raise Healthy Kids
The rate of childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, so much so that it has become an epidemic. This serious issue is something that any parent needs to be aware of. How come we're seeing so many children becoming overweight?
What kind of drinks does your child usually consume? Soda and other high-sugar drinks are being consumed by many kids today. Besides soda, energy drinks, which are high in sugar, are very popular among children. Also, a lot kids today hang out at coffee shops where they end up ordering a latte or some other high calorie coffee drink. Even fruit juice, which many parents assume is healthy, can contribute to the problem. Fresh fruit is a better source of fruit than juice, as juice is highly concentrated and high in sugar. Nothing beats pure water as the best beverage to drink. You can also try giving your child herbal teas, as these are low-calorie alternatives and a lot healthier than sodas and other sugary drinks. You need to help your child cut back on consuming unhealthy beverages if he or she is to get to a healthy weight.
While eating healthy habits are what you want your child to develop, it won't do you any good really if you get way too strict on the food that you allow your child to consume. If you completely forbid some of your child's favorite foods, it will create a craving and a feeling of deprivation. Your child is a lot more likely to start binge eating, as he or she will find ways to eat forbidden foods.
This habit is then often carried over into adulthood. Instead of completely taking away the foods that your child likes to eat, work on limiting your child's consumption of those foods. If your child has gotten used to eating fast food, for example, cut back on the times you eat out. Make it as a once a week or even once a month thing. And when you let your child have those foods, don't let them eat too much of those; give them sensible portions.
Fast foods are one of the main culprits when it comes to obesity today, in both kids and adults. You won't have a hard time finding fast food nor have to have a lot of money. Because it's convenient, a lot of families eat fast food more often than they eat home-cooked meals. If you spend time preparing meals for the family, you'll have a better chance of getting your child (and everyone else) to develop healthy eating habits. If you think your schedule is full enough that you can't squeeze in some time to prepare healthy meals, think again. For example, you can plan your family's meal for the week and then cook all of it every Sunday. You can just place the food in the fridge or freezer and then heat them up before serving.
You just have to plan it well. You can set aside a couple of hours, perhaps on Sunday, to cook a lot of bulk foods that are ready for the week. As a parent, you can do many things to make sure your child stays at a healthy weight. You've just read some things you can do to help your child acquire habits that are healthy. If your child indeed is overweight, it's important that you keep your expectations realistic and that you be patient. Losing weight, whether for an adult or a child, isn't an easy thing to do. You'll need to help your child get to a healthy weight.
What kind of drinks does your child usually consume? Soda and other high-sugar drinks are being consumed by many kids today. Besides soda, energy drinks, which are high in sugar, are very popular among children. Also, a lot kids today hang out at coffee shops where they end up ordering a latte or some other high calorie coffee drink. Even fruit juice, which many parents assume is healthy, can contribute to the problem. Fresh fruit is a better source of fruit than juice, as juice is highly concentrated and high in sugar. Nothing beats pure water as the best beverage to drink. You can also try giving your child herbal teas, as these are low-calorie alternatives and a lot healthier than sodas and other sugary drinks. You need to help your child cut back on consuming unhealthy beverages if he or she is to get to a healthy weight.
While eating healthy habits are what you want your child to develop, it won't do you any good really if you get way too strict on the food that you allow your child to consume. If you completely forbid some of your child's favorite foods, it will create a craving and a feeling of deprivation. Your child is a lot more likely to start binge eating, as he or she will find ways to eat forbidden foods.
This habit is then often carried over into adulthood. Instead of completely taking away the foods that your child likes to eat, work on limiting your child's consumption of those foods. If your child has gotten used to eating fast food, for example, cut back on the times you eat out. Make it as a once a week or even once a month thing. And when you let your child have those foods, don't let them eat too much of those; give them sensible portions.
Fast foods are one of the main culprits when it comes to obesity today, in both kids and adults. You won't have a hard time finding fast food nor have to have a lot of money. Because it's convenient, a lot of families eat fast food more often than they eat home-cooked meals. If you spend time preparing meals for the family, you'll have a better chance of getting your child (and everyone else) to develop healthy eating habits. If you think your schedule is full enough that you can't squeeze in some time to prepare healthy meals, think again. For example, you can plan your family's meal for the week and then cook all of it every Sunday. You can just place the food in the fridge or freezer and then heat them up before serving.
You just have to plan it well. You can set aside a couple of hours, perhaps on Sunday, to cook a lot of bulk foods that are ready for the week. As a parent, you can do many things to make sure your child stays at a healthy weight. You've just read some things you can do to help your child acquire habits that are healthy. If your child indeed is overweight, it's important that you keep your expectations realistic and that you be patient. Losing weight, whether for an adult or a child, isn't an easy thing to do. You'll need to help your child get to a healthy weight.
About the Author:
Writing parenting articles is one of Asleen Saturday favorite hobbies. She also give some advices to the new parents who do not know on how to take good care of their child. Reading this articles really helps you on how to be a good parents. Trying new products for your baby liked Stainless Steel Drink Container is also a big help, you ask me why? please click here.