Effective Tips to Combat Childhood Obesity!

Childhood obesity has been on the rise. Going by the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTrusted Source (CDC) reports, the number of obese kids has almost doubled in the past 30 years. This obesity trend in kids has caused enough reason for parents to get worried.

It is also important to ensure that kids stay healthy, eat right and avoid the early onset of lifestyle diseases. Taking control early in their lives is something that needs emphasis. The strategies are simple. All you have to do is make your kids understand the importance of eating right and preventing childhood obesity.

The Importance of Choosing Healthy Foods

While most kids enjoy the so-called unhealthy foods or junk foods, there are always ways to make a healthy version of some of their favorite foods. So, if they love noodles, ask them to choose the healthier version of refined pasta or noodles, and the taste hardly changes.

You can make these noodles with soba, buckwheat, millets, or other whole grains. They can also make noodles out of veggies, such as zucchini and squash. The trick is to make the dishes presentable so that they would want to eat the dish, and if the taste happens to be good, they will also ask for the healthier dish the next time.

Drink More Water

Kids often don’t drink enough water, and hydration is key to weight loss, whether it is for adults or kids. When you feel hungry, you feel thirsty. It is our body’s way of telling our brain to drink more water. However, most kids reach out for snacks instead to quell their hunger pangs. Whether it is a packet of chips or a sugary snack, it is important to drink water throughout the day. It will make you feel fuller and stop you from snacking.

Hit Healthy on the Snack-O-Meter

Kids tend to be hungry between their main meals, and if we do not check their calorie count, they start eating way more than they should. Let them explore healthier options. Apple with peanut butter is a healthy snack, too, or something as simple as hummus and fresh veggies.

Most healthy foods are an acquired taste. You need to get used to it first, before liking it so much that you are willing to eat it regularly. Something like berries and Greek yogurt is another delicious option to try. It is important to clear your refrigerator of junk food first. Otherwise, they might battle the temptation to eat the junk stuff first.

Serving Size Holds the Key

What ails kids’ eating patterns these days are the serving size. Just because they like chocolate does not mean they devour the whole bar, right? Even if they have their favorite junk food once a week, it is important to be mindful of the amount. This way, they will eat their favorite foods and not give up eating them completely.

Encourage Them To Increase Their Physical Activity

Optimum physical activity benefits their physical health and their mental health. Ensure they get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day without fail. Also, when you exercise, you release happy hormones, which can improve your mood instantly.

Limit Screen Time

There are tons of new gadgets and gizmos available, making kids stay on for hours as they sit and stare at the screen. Limit their screen time 30 to 60 minutes for the day, and encourage them to go outside or play with other toys.

Keep a Tab on Their BMI

How much is your child’s Body mass index (BMI)? It measures body fat based on a weight related to height. In children, the BMI percentile is, in fact, the measurement of body fat. A BMI percentile compares your child’s BMI to children of other ages and gender. Children with a BMI in the 85th percentile and above are at a greater risk of being overweight or obese.

Did you know that a kid who is obese has a greater chance of being obese in their later lives? Start practicing these easy-to-follow tips to help them lose weight. With consistent effort and positive motivation, you will be able to help them lead a fitter and healthier life and reduce their chance of obesity.