Childhood obesity is a major problem for millions of children and families in the United States. Simply put, obesity is the result of eating too much and not exercising enough. Usually, the foods that these children eat are high in calories and of poor nutritional quality.
What’s so troubling about childhood obesity is that it takes a toll on the lives of those affected – socially, psychologically and physically. Our children deserve better.
Certainly, no parent wants their child to experience lifelong health problems, particularly when they could be avoided. So, what can you do to keep your child from becoming overweight or obese?
Preventing childhood obesity starts with making the right choices.
Let's take a look at some things that you can to do to keep your child from becoming obese:
Rule #1. Learn what children need for good health. You can use the food guide pyramid, MyPyramid for Kids, to learn more about what to feed your child.
Rule # 2. Serve nutritious foods in the right portions.
Rule #3. Keep a variety of fruits, nuts, dairy and other nutrient-dense foods on hand for children to snack on.
Rule #4. Limit the amount of sodas and other high-calorie, low-nutrient foods that your child eats.
Rule #5. Read food labels to learn what is in the foods your child eats and shop accordingly. Avoid buying commercially packaged foods with large amounts of sugar, fat and sodium,
Rule #6. Get the whole family moving.
Keep in mind that it will take time for your child to develop the taste for more healthful foods. Be patient, but don’t give up.
Copyright 2010 Dorene E. Carter, PhD, RD. All rights reserved. Copying or reprinting the information on this page without written permission of the author is strictly prohibited.
The information provided herein is for education and information services only and is not intended as a substitute for proper, personalized medical attention.
