Help Your Child Lose Weight

Childhood obesity is becoming more and more common in our society. Video games (although good for other things), fast food and easy going parents are all contributing to the problem. These children are now facing health problems that previous generations would have never thought of. Children in the past were outside until dinner each night playing ball or tag. Kids these days sometimes don't do anything physical all day. Even at school physical activity may not be a daily activity. Save your child's life and give them a better future by changing their bad habits today.

MINIMUM 1 1/2 HOURS OF EXERCISE - Children should be physically active for at least an hour and a half each day. That means riding their bikes, running, jumping, dancing, somersaulting, skipping, chasing, etc. Keep them moving. I know times are busy with homework and other activities. If your child is in a sport, you can count the time that they are at practice as their daily activity. Knowing how to help your child lose weight will save them from a lifetime struggle against obesity

FEED THEM PROPERLY - This is so crucial. If you do allow kids to eat fast food, make sure that it is not very often. Once a month is a good rule. Children should be eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish. There is not very much room in their diets for chips, soda, candy, snack food, processed foods, frozen microwaveable snacks, etc. I have heard many parents say "my child only drinks 1 soda a day" or "the only thing he wants to eat is tater tots." One soda a day is one too many. If you are allowing soda (which you should NOT) only allow one per week. Kids can only eat what their parents serve them, so start serving them good food. See my other articles on hiding vegetables in food if you need to. Be strong, you are the adult.

LIMIT VIDEO GAMES, ETC - Set a time limit and keep it for all electronic devices such as video games, computer time, television time, etc. It is much better for children to be out playing basketball, reading a book, writing a comic strip, playing a instrument or creating art.

It is up to you to teach your child healthy habits. If they have trouble resisting poor food choices, you need to help by not having those food choices in your home. Help your child lose weight by creating healthy routines and sticking with them.