How To Combat Childhood Obesity With Diet And Exercise
Childhood obesity is a serious health problem, and unfortunately, it is becoming more and more common throughout the United States.
In fact, some of the latest statistics are showing that 17% of children are obese and this number only continues to rise each year.
The thing about gaining weight is that it is very similar to debt. Once you get in over your head it can be truly difficult to get out.
With that being said, how exactly can you go about combating this disease and ensuring that your children are living the healthiest life possible?
7 Steps To Fight Childhood Obesity
Here’s what you can do to fight childhood obesity and ensure your kids are living as healthy as possible:
1. Try To Make Exercise Fun
These days most kids are only interested in sitting around and playing on the computer or some type of electronic device.
Sure, these devices are entertaining and there is nothing wrong with playing them, but they can be detrimental to physical activity.
If your kids are just sitting around drinking soda, eating chips, and playing games, they are going to grow obese quickly.
This is why it is imperative to open your children up to other forms of entertainment.
Physical exercising doesn’t have to be strenuous and hard. In fact, there are tons of ways that you can make it entertaining.
Show your child how much fun hiking and walking is, teach them to ride a bike, or simply engage in a game of volleyball in the backyard.
Anything to get the heart pumping a little bit can go a long way to fighting childhood obesity.
2. Assign Your Kids Chores
Whether you are a personalized hair care specialist or you are a stay-at-home mom, you can make your kids engage in chores around the house.
Sure, not all chores are that strenuous, but doing laundry, cutting the grass, and cleaning out the garage can be pretty physical.
By making your child complete a few of these tasks each week, you will be forcing him or she to engage in calorie-burning activities, which will go a long way to promoting a happy and healthy lifestyle.
3. Get Rid Of The Junk Food
Obesity, and especially childhood obesity, starts with unhealthy eating. Once your children develop a taste for unhealthy snacks and treats, it can be truly hard to get them to stray away from them.
This is especially true if you are engaging and partaking in these treats and snacks as well.
Clean out the pantry as soon as possible and stock it with healthier snacks. You don’t have to be a nutrition nut, but there are tons of healthier alternatives to chocolate and caramel.
Whatever the situation is, getting your children started earlier will be better for their health.
4. Sign Your Kids Up For Sports
Your child doesn’t have to be on a pro-level to partake in sports.
Sports are extremely physical, promote team building, and can help your child be all-around more sociable.
Make your child join a sports team and show him or her just how much fun it is.
Not only is there some kind of sport available all year round, but also there are tons of different sports to choose from. You can choose anything from basketball to soccer, or even field hockey.
5. Be Involved
It is also pertinent to be involved. Children absolutely love doing things with their parents.
If you’re outside jogging, you should take your children with you. Set good examples for them and be involved as much as possible. This will allow you to bond and give your child more motivation to exercise more often.
Walk the dog together or head to the park. Being involved ensures that your child will enjoy him or herself and that they’ll get the exercise they need.
6. Make Time For It
Some parents put a lot of pressure on their children. This is something that you should avoid.
Don’t overload them with homework, sports practice, music lessons, and other events.
If you expect them to exercise and get more physical activity, you need to make sure that they have time for it.
Clear up their schedule so they can get out there and play.
7. Limit Television And Computer Time
It is completely safe for your child to use the computer or watch television.
However, you also need to be cautious about letting them do it too much. Moderation is key.
Try to avoid letting your child have more than 2 hours of screen time each and every day. Set limits and your child will have extra free time for exercising and such.
Hopefully, these tips will help you live a healthier life along with your children. Remember, the best way to fight childhood obesity is to prevent it.
