Obesity in children has developed into a very complicated and difficult problem to solve. Over 17% of American children are overweight, and at least 30% more are considered to be at a risk for becoming overweight.
% Overweight among children and adolescents 6-19 years of age: United States, 1963-1965 through 2003-2006
Source: Cdc.gov
The increase in the numbers in the recent years has been overwhelming. This leads to loss in children’s self-esteem, not to mention increased risk for developing cardiovascular and other problems.
Causes of Obesity in Children
We all know the main causes of obesity in children. With very busy parents who don’t have time to prepare healthier foods, with the abundance of high calorie snacks, junk food, pre-cooked, processed and fast foods, big portions in meals, and too little physical activity.
In order to avoid childhood obesity, something must be done.
The responsibility of raising healthy children lies in the hands of parents. Parents who acknowledge this problem should be committed to avoid the risk of having overweight children.
Healthy Foods for Your Children
Parents should particularly pay attention to what they feed their children. There are no special foods that can help avoid obesity in kids.
The trick here is to change their own eating habits and lifestyle and pass on the same to their children. Being conscious about your children’s diet is just like being conscious about your own.
If your daily food intake consists of drive through windows and fast food, chances are your children are bound to have the same. However, if you take a few minutes off each day to prepare a healthy meal and healthy snacks, you will be feeding your children with the right nutrition as well.
Quick and Healthy Kids Lunch Recipes
More videos here: http://www.youtube.com/user/diethealth
The Mediterranean diet has been proven to reduce long-term risk of obesity. In a recent study of Vioque, Weinbrenner, et al. of the Miguel Hernandez University in Spain:
“The direct relation between fruit and vegetable intake and weight gain has been established.”
According to this research which spans 10 years, increase in fruit and vegetable intake was associated with reduced risk of weight gain.
Thus, they have concluded the importance of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as suggested in the Mediterranean diet. This diet also suggests moderate food portions.
Physical Activity
In addition to proper nutrition in children, parents must also reinforce physical activity. They should limit the children’s time for watching television, and make opportunities that will allow the kids to spend as much time outdoors where they can burn out their energies and be fit and healthy.
Some favorite activities include swimming, biking, hiking, dancing and martial arts, along with team-oriented activities such as baseball, soccer and basketball.
Obesity in children can be avoided if parents and guardians are up to the challenge. With the proper choice of foods (more vegetables and fruits more than meat, as in the Mediterranean diet), proper portion control, and physical activity, you can guide your children back to being normal, healthy kids.
This might take some minor lifestyle changes, but this little sacrifice will not only benefit your kids, but yourself and the rest of the family as well.
