Childhood obesity has become a national epidemic of epic proportions. In 1980, an overweight child would have stood out on the playground. Today, however, overweight American children have become the norm.
The statistics about childhood obesity are shocking. Studies show that obesity levels among children have tripled over the last 20 years. Physical inactivity and access to more processed, packaged foods are key contributors to the nation's expanding waistlines. Sadly, children who are obese become young adults at high risk for serious health conditions.
How can you teach your children the basics of healthy eating? Remember that actions speak louder than words and set a good example. Helping to create healthy habits for your children now will lead to a healthier future. Try these simple steps to encourage healthier eating:
• Make Meal Time Family Time Studies show that families that eat together tend to be healthier overall. Predictability is important for kids, so making dinnertime something they can count on benefits their mental well-being. It also gives parents the chance to introduce new foods and act as healthy-eating role models for their children.
• Mix it Up While routines are important for kids, variety is important for taste buds! Don't just stick to basic carrots or ants on a log. Try out different recipes to make fruits and veggies tastier for young palates. The internet is a vast resource for recipes and healthy eating tips. You'll be surprised by what your children like!
• Recruit Young Helping Hands There are always age-appropriate tasks your child can help with in the kitchen. Sometimes it's as simple as stirring. Make them a part of the whole experience, and use the time to teach them about why we eat certain foods, and why we avoid others. Helping to prepare something also gives kids a sense of accomplishment and makes them more likely to try it.
• Say No to TV Snacking Snacking in front of the television is an invitation to mindless overeating and makes it more difficult to identify a feeling of fullness. Limit eating to kitchen and dining areas in your home to discourage habitual overeating.
The statistics about childhood obesity are shocking. Studies show that obesity levels among children have tripled over the last 20 years. Physical inactivity and access to more processed, packaged foods are key contributors to the nation's expanding waistlines. Sadly, children who are obese become young adults at high risk for serious health conditions.
How can you teach your children the basics of healthy eating? Remember that actions speak louder than words and set a good example. Helping to create healthy habits for your children now will lead to a healthier future. Try these simple steps to encourage healthier eating:
• Make Meal Time Family Time Studies show that families that eat together tend to be healthier overall. Predictability is important for kids, so making dinnertime something they can count on benefits their mental well-being. It also gives parents the chance to introduce new foods and act as healthy-eating role models for their children.
• Mix it Up While routines are important for kids, variety is important for taste buds! Don't just stick to basic carrots or ants on a log. Try out different recipes to make fruits and veggies tastier for young palates. The internet is a vast resource for recipes and healthy eating tips. You'll be surprised by what your children like!
• Recruit Young Helping Hands There are always age-appropriate tasks your child can help with in the kitchen. Sometimes it's as simple as stirring. Make them a part of the whole experience, and use the time to teach them about why we eat certain foods, and why we avoid others. Helping to prepare something also gives kids a sense of accomplishment and makes them more likely to try it.
• Say No to TV Snacking Snacking in front of the television is an invitation to mindless overeating and makes it more difficult to identify a feeling of fullness. Limit eating to kitchen and dining areas in your home to discourage habitual overeating.
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