According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of children aged 6?11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 20% in 2008. The percentage of adolescents aged 12?19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period. It's not just embarrassing being the fat kid on the playground, it's unhealthy. Instead, give them a head start by setting a positive example and familiarizing them with proper nutrition from the beginning.
Model Photo
First, no matter how unruly we may observe this generation's children to be, behavior is taught. As long as they live under your roof, you make the rules. One of the most frequently made comments about overweight children has to do with not knowing how to get them to stop eating; they're always hungry. No they're not. Children in third world countries are always hungry. Our kids are just fine. It's easier said than done, we know, but you have to be the parent and say "No, you cannot have seconds." You can be the one to cook enough to satisfy and not present a big feast every night.
We'll give it to you, kids are picky. However, before they reach that stage children initially like what they are most familiar with. You can teach them about vegetables and meats and starches and present them with fresh, tasty, healthy meals if you do your research and take the initiative. Whether they like it or not, what they are taught molds their habits and we're sure a large majority of us wish our parents had taught us better habits early on.
Teaching them discipline and listening to their body will benefit them for the rest of their lives. A child growing up with a healthy relationship with food is less at risk for developing eating disorders and other dangerous nutritionally related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
Additionally, encourage your children to take part in physical activity. Entertain whatever they may enjoy, as long as it keeps them moving. Ballet, football, soccer, cheerleading, track, gymnastics, basketball, baseball, tennis, and softball are some of the more popular recreational activities for children. Alternatively, just taking part in family activities that involve physical exertion can keep your kids active without forcing them to do anything they don't enjoy. Where there's a will, there's a way.
We've got to instill in your children the will and the way to be fit.
