How To Prevent Childhood Obesity

[Carol]

Childhood obesity is a common problem that is being faced by increasing number of children all around the world. A research on Obesity declared that there are over 20 million obese children all over the world under the age of 5. At this age parents play a very important role in guiding and being a role model for their children. Therefore, it is very important for parents to help their children lead a healthy and active life right from the start. Here are some suggestions that can help in preventing childhood obesity and promote a healthy childhood.

Avoid Junk Food
Junk food is mainly loaded with empty calories that does not give any significant nutrients and vitamins to the children. Some of the popular junk foods available in the market are in the form of chips, burgers, fries, pizza, ice creams etc. all these are loaded with bad calories. Junk food may be a really easy option for parents and kids love it but we need ask ourselves weather it is good for them or not. Always give your children healthy options right from the beginning.

Healthy Snacks
Whenever you go out of the house with children, always carry healthy snacks for example diced fruits, baby carrots, sun dried fruits with no added sugar etc. Always look at the calories, saturated fat and sugar content before picking any snack from the stores. Always offer fruits and vegetables first as snacks. Avoid giving sugary snacks to your children as far as possible.

Healthy Cooking
Always try to cook healthy meals at home with lots of vegetables and whole foods cooked in healthy oil. Try to use Olive oil over other oils, butter or margarine. In order to minimize the use of oil, try to cook in non-stick cookware.

Do Not Overfeed Or Over Insist
Children do not need a lot of feed, therefore do not try to stuff them with food. Also if they do not want to eat then do not force them to do so because they may not be hungry. Whenever a child is hungry, he or she will eat so do not worry too much about food. If your child is healthy and has a good growth chart, then he or she is well fed.

Active lifestyle With Lots Of Play Time
It is very important for children to lead a active life. Try to take the kids to a play area every day. Children need to take out their energy every single day and the best way to do that is by playing, running and being active. On rainy days when it is not possible to take them out then try to play small games at home itself. Their are mini trampolines available in the market that can be used at home. There are several toys that require dancing and other physical movements, they too are good options to have at home.

Cut Down or Eliminate TV time
Try to minimize if not eliminate TV time. Also, children should not be allowed to watch TV during meals because that usually leads to overeating and develops unhealthy eating habits in them.

These are my own views regarding how to prevent childhood obesity. If you think your child facing serious obesity problems then it is best to see a doctor for other medical conditions.