10 Important Strategies to Help Beat Childhood Obesity
October 3, 201210 Important Strategies to Help Beat Childhood Obesity
by Tammy J. Colter, Editor-In-Chief, OH Magazine
Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. Many experts blame the obesity epidemic on our lifestyle changes throughout the years. Portion sizes have increased substantially (super-size me), we are more sedentary, more electronic focused, and less aware of calories in vs calories out.
Childhood obesity is a serious matter. It is a fact that obese or overweight children and teens are more likely to be obese as adults, and therefore are at the risk of developing many health problems. Overcoming this epidemic will require personal and cultural changes in our lifestyles. Here are 10 strategies to help your child beat childhood obesity:
1. Walk away from the electronics. Minimize the amount of time your child has in front of the TV. Encourage your child to walk away from the computer and video games and suggest that they get outdoors and be active. (Or maybe help with some household chores.)
2. Stay away from fast food and fried foods. In this busy world, it’s tempting to pick up your meals through your local fast food drive-thru. Make healthier at-home meals instead and have your children cook with you. You will enjoy a little more time with your kids!
3. Serve smaller portions. You can do this by using smaller plates when serving meals.
4. Add more fruits and vegetables to your child’s diet. Make healthy fruits and vegetables half of your child’s meal portion.
5. Encourage your child to play sports at school. Studies have shown that teens who play on multiple sports teams are less likely to be obese.
6. Healthy drinks only rule. Keeping your children away from soda and other sugary drinks is important.
7. Eat a healthy breakfast. Breakfast is your child’s most important meal of the day. A healthy breakfast promotes good concentration and thinking.
8. Set a good example. Eat a variety of healthy foods and your child will follow your lead.
9. Don’t use food as a reward or a comfort. You can reward your children’s good behaviors and met goals by offering words of praise, letting them stay up a little later, or allowing them to do an extra activity.
10. Provide healthy snacks. Promote carrots, apples, and other nutritious fruits and vegetables as healthy snack alternatives.
