Fighting childhood obesity, which is a serious concern in our country, should be looked upon as a family affair.
There are certain things parents and siblings can do to help out.
Medical experts predict that children today may be the first generation in history with a shorter life expectancy than their parents. One of the reasons for this sobering prediction is the increasing rate of childhood obesity. Obesity increases the risk of all major diseases, including Type II Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain forms of cancer.
It stands to reason that childhood obesity is usually caused by eating too much and exercising too little. Therefore, filling one's diet with healthful foods and increasing daily physical activity can help reduce obesity as well as prevent it.
With that in mind, the most effective way to treat and prevent childhood obesity is to adopt a healthier lifestyle for the whole family. The following are simple steps that your family can take to help fight the obesity epidemic:
1. Fill your home with healthful foods.
Stock your kitchen with fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean protein sources. Involve your child in the grocery shopping, allowing them to choose the type of fruit, vegetables, etc., the family will eat for the week. This involvement will not only teach the child how to make healthy choices but also will increase the child's likelihood of eating the healthy food if it is a food he or she selected. Remember to keep high-fat, sugary snacks and beverages out of the house. These foods should be saved for special occasions only.
2. Limit restaurant dining.
Fast food establishments and restaurant foods tend to have more fat, sodium and calories. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child who eats fast food daily will result in approximately six extra pounds per year. Try to involve your child in preparing home cooked meals. Studies have shown that if a child is involved in the preparation of a food, he or she is much more likely to eat it. Further, there are many fun cookbooks on the market specifically for kids.
3. Plan daily physical activity into your family's schedule.