Let me be blunt: our kids are fat and getting fatter.
While there are many opinions to the solutions to this problem epidemic-one thing is certain: begins at home.
Here are 5 basic strategies for raising children healthier, fitter.
This can border on hard. I don't know how many times have I heard parents say "eat only potato chips". If French fries were an option each meal, probably would just eat too, if I were 4. As parents, our jobs are not easy. Despite what the big food companies would have us believe, children should not be placed in charge of what they eat. Calm a baby whining with a bomb of sugar/fat/salt does the trick in the short term, but making high calorie foods/blank daily will send them an option down a path very unhealthy.
No matter what, just get out there and play. Take the initiative and bring children outdoors or at a Community Centre and an indoor swimming pool, if it is raining outside. On that note, why let a little rain stop? He wore the raincoat and jump in puddles.
With nontraditional work schedules and dual income families, meals are often on the go, or even non-existent. Besides obvious benefits meals generally healthier, makes for a great family bonding time and reduces the likelihood of children taking up smoking, drinking and drug use. Make time for this at all costs.
Contradiction in point # 1? No! Giving choices within the context of healthy eating should be encouraged. Choose a recipe, choose their own fruit/vegetables and have some say in meals, as well as help out with the preparation, having children. This will help strengthen their decisions.
Or an individual sport-something active. Even if your children are less oriented towards athletic pursuits, there are a wide range of active options that will appeal to a wide range of interests. In addition to helping to keep kids fit, join a team or sport in General can help to foster teamwork, cooperation and build self-esteem.
Image credit: icultist
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