Ways to Prevent Childhood Obesity

/ Mary, Mother of the Light Academy/

Year over year for the past few years, the number of children in the United States who are being classified as obese has steadily risen.  Doctors and parents alike are obviously troubled by this statistic because obesity is a gateway to more serious health issues and problems like asthma and diabetes.  Luckily, in most cases, obesity can be prevented.  Parents and legal guardians can easily help prevent future problems just by being educated and aware.

HEALTHY EATING HABITS
First and foremost, help your child develop healthy eating habits.  This one might seem super obvious but healthy dieting can be difficult for working or single parents who are low on time.  Unhealthy options like delivery and fast food are dangerously convenient.  Make sure you’re providing your child with a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, with lean meats and proteins like poultry and fish.  Try to keep sugary drinks to a minimum and encourage the consumption of water.  Limiting the intake of sodas alone is enough to usually make a difference in the way a person looks and feels.

ELIMINATE TEMPTATIONS
It might also help to eliminate temptations.  Everyone loves some ice cream every now and again, but if you’re making sure your home is fully stocked at all times with candy, ice cream, and cakes you might sending be the wrong signal to your little one. As with everything in life, moderation is key. 

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE
Activity after school is so important!  Part of living a healthy life is making sure your family gets an appropriate amount of physical activity.  Most children like playing sports or chasing their friends around, but beyond just being fun, this type of activity promotes stronger bones, decreases blood pressure and helps mitigate anxiety and stress. 

If you incorporate these three tips into your everyday life, you will certainly help keep your family in tip top shape.  Of course, children have baby fat and not all fat is bad, so it is important to understand the difference.  Make sure you don’t jump to any health conclusions and if you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to seek out the advice of a professional.

Have any tips to prevent obesity? Let us know in the comments!