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Keeping Kids Fit - 5 Tips To Follow

MexiKen | Sep 26, 2009 |

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There's no doubt about it, American children are becoming less and less active and more and more overweight. Obesity in the US is by far the highest in the world. While we struggle with our current healthcare system, something needs to be looked at regarding the future health of our future leaders. We know that children hold the future... we need to help them make that future a healthy one for all. Here are five basic tips that can help you in your child's or children on a path to healthy living, eating and weight maintenance.

1. You need to be a good role model as a parent. When parents are overweight children have a much greater chance of becoming overweight too. In fact, one overweight parent raises the risk of a child becoming overweight by 25%. -- risk factor to 50% if both parents are overweight. So mom and dad... this information isn't only about your child. It's about you, too.

2. Don't use the word "diet" with your child. By putting a child in a mindset that they need to "diet", you're setting them up for a lifetime of battling with food and potentially creating an eating disorder. You are much better off working on incorporating positive, healthy lifestyle changes for the whole family.

3. Make sure teeth healthy breakfast. Part of the healthy lifestyle change you need to ingrained in your child is to take the time to keep a good, healthy breakfast. Not a bowl of sugary cereal or a Pop Tart on the way out the door. Eat a real meal such as eggs and toast, fruit and healthy cereals or multigrain breads. If you think you don't have the time, set the alarm a little bit earlier. After all, this will be affecting your child's future.

4. Be aware, and avoid, "portion distortion". Portion distortion refers to creating an eating environment where it is more difficult to judge how much food you have actually eaten. Overly large plates, not sitting down and having a formal meal but rather eating on the run, or even both a style eating all tends to obscure the actual amount of food presented for the meal. Take a little time, set a table, make a plate, sit down and eat together. Not only can this help healthier eating habits but you might find some great family time and discussions ensue as well.

5. Make physical activity a family affair and make sure to make time for it every day. In the warmer months when there is more daylight you can go for a 30 minute walk before or after dinner. On the weekend you can load up the bikes on the car bike rack and go to a park. If you have really little ones in the mix, simply get a child bike trailer and include them as well. In the snowy season, go outside and slept or build snowmen or have a snowball fight. Play actively with your kids. If you can't go outside, turn on some music and dance around the house with the kids. You'll probably be amazed at how much you laugh and sweat and bond with your kids. Truly a win-win situation for everyone.

Following these simple guidelines can help set a positive, healthy foundation and path for your children to follow up long after they leave the house while at the same time making the most of the time you do have with them while they are living under your roof. Here's to good health to all of you.