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How Parents Can Affect Their Children's Weight
By Bruce Dinger
Recent studies have shown that there is an increasing
trend in the number of overweight and obese children. In
fact, there are estimates that say up to 15% of the
children in UK fit this description. It is a sad fact, to say
the least. Some experts go so far as to say that because
of the children's bad eating habits and lack of exercise,
more and more parents will end up burying their own
children.
So, what can the parents do about this? Here are eight
thoughts to ponder and hopefully take action on.
Obesity and excess weight gain are usually a direct result
of poor eating habits and lack of exercise. The key here is
to provide your child with a balanced healthy diet and
encourage physical activities.
Realize that not all overweight issues are hereditary.
Many experts say that in reality, only a small percent of
obesity and weight gain can be attributed to heredity….. So
don't automatically blame your genes!
Children often mimic the bad eating habits and inactivity
of their parents. Therefore set an example by eating
balanced meals and exercising regularly. When the children
are very young, they will want to eat what is on your
plate. What better time is there to start some good eating
habits yourselves?
Encourage your children to walk more and take part in
physical activities. Parents do not need to continually
drive their children every where when they can easily walk
there. Also, monitor the time they spend in front of the
television. How does this compare to the time they spend
outside playing or participating in some physical activities.
Minimize fast food, sweets, and convenience meals. They
are all high in calories and full of salt and sugar. They
are cheap, available and targeted to our children through
television, so beware.
Luckily it is easier to change a child's eating habits
than it is to change an adults. If you are concerned about
your child's weight you should encourage them to eat a
variety of fresh foods that are nutritious. You should also
replace foods that are high in fat such as cookies,
chocolate, and cakes with alternatives that are healthy
such as fresh fruit, wholegrain bread or crackers.
The way you cook (and shop) also has an effect on their
(and your) weight. That is, grill or bake foods rather than
fry them. Watch the types of carbohydrates you eat. Buy
fresh fruit juices rather than sodas. Start their day with
low sugar cereals. Minimize the amount of sweets
(chocolate) in the house and substitute, instead, things
like dried fruits, nuts and granola.
Develop good eating habits.
To prevent children grazing all day, provide them
with regular meals at set, routine times. Don't allow your
child to each while they do homework or watch television.
Use mealtimes as an opportunity for the family to sit
together at a table. Encourage your child to listen to what
their stomachs tell them so they learn to only eat when
they are hungry as opposed to eating out of habit.
Teach your child to chew their food thoroughly and
eat at a slower pace so they savour and appreciate their
food.
Ask your child to assist you when you are preparing
food so they are more interested and aware of what they are
eating. A child who has helped prepare a healthy meal is
more likely to eat it. Encourage older children to keep a
food diary to identify the times they are likely to snack.
There you have eight points on how the parent can
influence the eating habits of their children, which in
turn, should positively affect the child's weight gain.
About the Author
For more information please visit http://www.five95ebooks.com/Nutrition.html and see how you can learn more about the basics of nutrition. To see our growing list of other $5.95 eBooks, please visit http://www.Five95eBooks.com
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