Sometimes unhealthy eating is a family problem, which causes the whole family to be overweight and have serious illnesses and health problems. I’m sure this is the last thing you’d like for your family. By changing your life style just slightly you can encourage your family to be healthier and fit.
Lifestyles are a number one factor in overweight children whether it is too little physical activity or unhealthy eating habits or maybe both. Some genetics may also increase the tendency for children to be overweight. Other rare causes such as medical problems could be factors.
Two important actions need to be taken when you have a child that is over weight. First you need to recognize that your child has a weight problem and needs help. Check with your pediatrician to assess your child’s weight. Secondly make this a family affair do not single out one child, eating healthy and exercising will benefit everyone.
Make A Plan:
Getting the whole family involved is important for success. Long-term changes need to be taking in eating and exercising.
You’ll need to establish a daily family meal and snack times. With families today being busy most meals is being ate on the run, which is very unhealthy for everyone.
Cooking ahead and having the food ready can prevent ordering out.
Select healthier options at every meal. Even if your child refuses to eat vegetables and fruit offer them at every meal anyways with the wide variety of vegetables and fruit your child is bound to like one or another.
Always use positive comments and praise to encourage your child’s change in eating and exercise behavior.
Try rewarding your children with your time and with fun instead of food. Like most of use we reward our kids with food, which is not a healthy choice.
Since this is a family endeavor have your children reward you when they see you making healthy choices with kisses and hugs. This will also encourage your children to watch for healthy choices as instead of just practicing them.
Never single out the overweight child with a special diet. Serve foods recommended for the whole family. If dessert is served than do so with fruit. Everyone will benefit from the fruit and nobody will be feeling left out.
Do not put your child on a restricted diet unless otherwise instructed by a doctor. Healthier choices and cutting down portions to an actual serving size is enough along with exercise to drop a few pounds and become healthy.
Cut down on obvious sources of fat in your diet. Making simple changes can cut a large amount of fat out of your diet a day. Try lean meats and cut down on portion sizes. Use 2% milk rather than whole. Bake, boil or grill rather than deep fry. Eat skinless chicken rather than cooking with the skin on.
Choose vegetables and fruit for a snack rather than low fat cookies and cakes.
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