Childhood Obesity: Winning The Battle

Many environmental factors cause childhood obesity. More and more children in America and Europe are either overweight, obese, or stricken with health issues because they aren’t eating right, and or, are not getting enough exercise. Most after school snacks aren’t that healthy.

Too much soda pop is not only the main cause for tooth decay and stomach ulcers, but soda pop also causes weight gain and diabetes! Soda pop offers nothing but empty calories to its users. It is one of the worse drinks a child can have being basically just sugar water. And they are also so addicting.

So what can parents do if their child is obese? They can change a few bad habits.

Childhood Obesity Starts in the Home

If your child is overweight by 5 to 10 pounds, I wouldn’t become too alarmed, but if your child is twenty, thirty, or more pounds over their ideal weight, it is time to change some bad habits.

Childhood obesity starts in the home environment and extends into the public school systems. Schools should not have vending machines with junk food or soda pop. This is saying to the children, “If you are hungry, have a candy bar”.

“If you’re thirsty, quench your thirst with your favorite soda pop”. This is not the way to instill good eating habits into our nations children.

In the home it is up to the parents to inspire good habits in their children by example. If your child is overweight you wouldn’t eat potato chips in front of them and you wouldn’t buy junk food and store it in the kitchen.

Your child doesn’t need encouragement to stay overweight. They need encouragement for being healthy and staying healthy. Leading a healthy lifestyle yourself is your child’s best hope for battling excessive weight gain.

Any lifestyle changes that you decide to make should be about “getting healthy” together through proper nutrition and physical activity. Make the changes positive ones so they feel good about those changes.

When you become involved in the lifestyle changes with your child they don’t have so much pressure on them for losing weight. Don’t worry, they will lose weight if they eat the right foods and do more physical activity.

Childhood Obesity and Diet

Instead of eating a bag of potato chips, eat a couple of baked potatoes or mashed potatoes with a little bit of butter or Olive oil and salt. Have a side of fresh veggies and whole wheat bread on the side.

Teach your child the difference between whole foods and processed foods. Let them help you pick out the “right” foods when you go grocery shopping. Allow them to become involved in the cooking as well. Instead of buying soda pop, buy herbal teas and fresh juice.

Learn to eat more whole raw fruit and savor its impeccable flavors. Eat fruit bowls for snacks in between meals. Introduce dried fruits and nuts into your child’s daily diet.

Let your child see you drinking more water, so they will want to drink more water. This is how it works – you are the example for your children.

Always cook and bake with whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, rolled oats, millet, lentils, split peas, chickpeas, and other legumes. You can eat all you want of these foods and the weight will come off almost effortlessly.

There are some great easy, online, healthy recipes using whole grains and beans that will satisfy your obese child longer than processed foods will.

Childhood Obesity and Exercise

Buy some exercise videos and start working out with your child. Family walks are great for staying in touch with your child and helping them to burn energy and feel good about themselves. You are the encouragement and support your child needs.