Eat To Live, Don't Live To Eat

“By 2025, India will have over 17 million obese children and stand second among 184 countries where the number of obese children are concerned, says a study published in Pediatric Obesity, an international journal.”

Are we raising a generation of obese kids?

If yes, then you need to question if you are a perfect parent.

You’re failing as a parent, if your child is obese.

My words may hurt you, but you need to understand the underlying seriousness.

Once the children are overweight, it takes a lot of effort for them to return to a healthy weight.

Why do you need to worry about your child’s weight? Being overweight is like giving an invitation to various diseases and serious health issues like asthma, type 2 diabetes, sleep problems, low self-esteem and heart disease.

How can you check if your child is overweight? Checking your child’s BMI can help you know if your child is overweight.

Today, nearly 7 out of 10 adults are having obesity.

For your kid’s sake, take action! A healthy future begins now.

“Childhood obesity is best tackled at home through improved parental involvement, increased physical exercise, better diet and restraint from eating.” – Bob Filner.

Parents are the role models for children. When you choose to eat right and be physically active, your child will imitate you.

Things to do as a parent to help your child stay at a healthy weight

Don’t worry! Dedication and effort is all you need.

Follow this guideline to help your child stay at a healthy weight.

Step 1

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have shared two child-friendly websites that can help your child to learn about healthy habits.

Share it with your kids. These are games designed for children. You can download it for free from google play as well as app store for your iPad, iPhone or Android device.

• CDC BAM! Dining Decision

• What's on my Plate

• www.choosemyplate.gov/kids

Step 2

Make sure your child gets at least 60 minutes of physical activity everyday.This may include fun and simple activities like playing tag, blind fold game and chalk obstacle game. These games help the kids to keep moving. It can also be short activities that add up to 60 minutes a day.

I found a fun game for your kids. Take a look here:

Make sure your child is doing different types of activities like:

• Muscle - strengthening activities – climbing playground equipment or trees.

• Bone - strengthening activities - skipping, basketball.

• Aerobic activities – running, dancing, hopping.

I found a very interesting YouTube channel for your kids. Subscribe to their channel – Baby League (Kids Compete series)

Step 3

Limit screen time. Allow children to play video games or use computer or smart phones for not more than an hour a day. You can use this time to make them play the games listed above in step 1. Set clear rules.

Step 4

Eating healthy food will protect your child from various health issues. You can be role model for your child by eating healthy.

Here are some tips for you to follow:

• Shop, cook and plan for healthy meals.

• Buy more fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods.

• Encourage your child to try out healthy foods.

• Avoid soda and concentrated drinks.

• Start the day with a good breakfast. Let the children have fat-free milk and fruits.

• Make healthy snacks for them when hungry.

Here’s an interesting guide for you to prepare healthy snacks for your kids:

Step 5

Make sure your kids get enough sleep. If they don’t get enough sleep, they are at higher risk of being overweight.

How many hours of sleep is necessary for an individual? It varies from person to person according to their age.

Here’s a sleep guide for you and your family:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need.htm

Consider keeping all the electronic gadgets like computers, television and smart phones out of the bedroom. Set a bedtime schedule for the whole family and remind your kids when it’s time to bed.

In this way, you can keep your kids healthy and prepare them to have a healthy future.

Remember, if you change nothing, nothing will change.

Therefore, change your lifestyle, eat healthy and live healthy