Child Obesity

If your child is overweight, what can you do? Diets are not recommended for growing kids and teens. Instead of weight loss, emphasize positive eating and physical activity changes. Try these suggestions:
• Eat dinner together as a family so you can monitor what your kids are eating daily.
• Sit down at the table, where you can teach kids how to eat more slowly, pay attention to their hunger and ...avoid the mindless eating that may occur when watching television.
• Involve kids in planning menus, shopping for food and preparing meals.
 • Make high-fiber fruits and vegetables a part of every meal.
 • Focus on offering lower-calorie, nutrient-rich meals and snacks without severely restricting food intake.
• Buy healthier foods and keep them easily accessible in the fridge and cupboards and on the counter. Keep sweets, chips and soda out of sight or out of the house.
• Limit sweetened beverages, including soda and fruit drinks, to an occasional treat.
• Reduce television watching and computer/video time to less than 2 hours a day, total, and less than 1-1.5 hours during school days.
• Promote physical activity as a family by taking walks, playing outdoor games and riding bikes together.


 Remember, your children learn from your behaviors and habits so set a good example to make life easier and healthier for them in the long run.