Help Kids Get Fit!
Forget the stereotype of the jolly fat kid. It's just not true. Research has shown fit kids mean happy kids, and that as soon as a child's weight climbs above average, it's likely that his or her physical, social, and emotional well-being will start to plummet. What's worse, early damage to a child's self-image and self-esteem can last a lifetime, regardless of whether or not they grow up to be a heavy adult.
With one in five youngsters weighing more than they should, taking steps to help your tot avoid childhood obesity is more important than ever! Here are a few tips on how you can be involved in helping your child develop healthy eating habits that will keep them fit for life:
Clear out the junk! Getting junk food out of the pantry is a huge first step towards keeping kids healthy. Remember, unlimited access to high-calorie snacks is a primary reason for childhood obesity! Instead, stock up on a variety of healthy options — it's easier for your child to develop a taste for snacks like milk, string cheese, apples, carrots, and the like if they aren't tempted by the candy, chips, and cookies in the cupboard!
Cook as a team! Plan healthy meals as a family, and use the time you spend together preparing the meal to teach your kids some nutrition basics. Also, let have some say in what healthy options you'll serve. They'll enjoy the process a whole lot more.
Veg out! Buy and serve more fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables. Let kids be involved in choosing which ones to get at the store. They'll be more likely to eat foods they helped pick out.
Keep trying! Don't automatically assume your child doesn't like a new food if he or she doesn't eat it when first offered. It can take up to 10 exposures for a child to accept a new food. Don't pressure them to eat it — just continue to offer it. Chances are, once it becomes familiar, they'll give it a try.
Get active! Encourage kids to participate in activities that get them moving. How about a game of jump rope, catch, hopscotch, tag or hide and seek? Even better: join in the fun and get moving right along with your kids!
Don't tease! It's extremely important to take a positive approach that encourages, not belittles, your child. Even gentle teasing can have a profound affect on how children view their bodies and on their tender self-esteem.
Follow your own advice! If your child sees you having an unhealthy relationship with food or a negative attitude about exercise, they're likely to follow suit. Practice what you preach!
Finally, if your child is already overweight, don't put him or her on a diet yourself — this could hurt his or her growth and development. Talk to your doctor to develop a safe weight-management plan. It's the best gift you can give your kids — good health and fitness for life!
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