How Can I help My Child Lose Weight?
by Vanessa Selene Williams
With the advent of television and video games, our children
are more sedentary than ever. Therefore, our children are larger
than ever. As much as 25 percent of our children and teenagers
are obese. If you have become concerned about your child's weight,
here are some suggestions. You can incorporate these techniques
into your child's daily life.
The goal of weight management for children should be to slow
weight gain. Or, to maintain their current weight. In other
words, putting your child on a low calorie diet is unfavorable.
If placed on a diet he or she will be at risk of malnutrition.
Your child is still growing. These nutrients are necessary.
The only one who should put your child on a diet should be
your child's pediatrician or a registered dietitian. First,
change the way your child eats. Base meals on the food guide
pyramid. The purpose is to reinforce healthy eating habits.
The foundation of the pyramid is grains.
When fixing meals keep this in mind. Visually divide your
child's plate. Place more grains than meat on the dish and include
a serving of vegetables and/or fruits.
Remember serving sizes for children are smaller than adults.
The rule of thumb is one tablespoon per each year of the child's
age. For example, if your child is four years old the serving
size would be four tablespoons.
Allow your child to determine if this serving size is too small.
Allow your child to ask for seconds servings. Second, change
the entire family's eating habits. This reinforcing healthy
eating habits.
There are many little things we all can do to incorporate better
eating habits. First, limit eating in front of the television.
Make it a rule in your household to only eat in the kitchen
or dining room.
Eat slowly. Your children look up to you. Set a good example.
Third, increase activity level. Studies have shown children
involved in sedentary activities, such as television and video
games for long periods, increase their chance of obesity. To
correct this, limit sedentary activities. Encourage at least
60 minutes of physical activity per day.
Go for a walk. Take your child to the playground. Enroll him
or her in competitive sports. Not only will this help weight
management but it will also improve your child's self esteem
and social skills. If you and your child are overweight, you
may find it rewarding to achieve a healthy lifestyle together.
Children who are overweight in childhood increase their chance
of becoming an obese adult. Incorporating these habits into
your child's everyday life will help him or her become a healthy
and happy adult.
Here are some tips on how to help your child lose weight:
-
Replace junk food and candy with healthy snacks. For example
carrots, apples, celery, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
-
Replace fried items with baked items. Instead of fried
chicken, cook baked chicken.
-
Replace meat items with legumes once or twice a week. Cook
red beans and rice instead of meat loaf.
-
Replace rich desserts. Instead of cheesecake, give them
sherbet.
Vanessa S. Williams is the site manager of www.eatrightkids.com.
For more of her articles, please visit her website. This
article originally appeared on Suite 101.
How Can I help My Child Lose Weight?
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