26
September
2017
|
15:24 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Help Prevent Childhood Obesity With These 2 Important Steps
Did you know about 1 in every 5 school-aged children is obese? Obesity has become one of the biggest concerns for parents as more children are considered overweight or obese. Not only does obesity increase risk for heart problems, diabetes, asthma and sleep apnea, but it can also lead to bullying and low self-esteem. As a parent, it’s important to take steps to help your children maintain a healthy weight. The best place to start is with proper nutrition and regular physical activity.
Encourage Healthy Eating
Healthy eating is one of the biggest struggles for many children. Not only do they tend to be pickier eaters than adults, but they also may be exposed to unhealthy choices at school and while participating in extracurricular activities. By encouraging good habits at home, kids are more likely to make healthier decisions even when mom and dad aren’t around.
When planning meals for the family, make sure your child eats
- Dairy products that are low- or non-fat
- Whole grain products
- Fruits and vegetables
- Protein from lean meats, fish, poultry and beans