Over 17% of children in the United States are obese. Obesity in kids exposes them to a slew of health dangers including diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal problems, breathing difficulty, and many more.
Here are some ways to encourage healthy eating habits in kids:
- Set a good example
- Make meal plans ahead of time
- Dine“in” often
Children are as likely to mimic the behavior of the adults around them as they are to listen to them. If you don’t want your kids to grow up with unhealthy eating habits, make healthy food choices yourself. Exercise regularly and help them understand why it is important to do so.
Have a balanced meal schedule and stick to it. If you don’t know the meals that constitute a balanced diet for your kid, talk to your pediatrician, they will be glad to assist you.
When you eat out frequently, chances are high that you will eat a lot of junk food with high trans-fat content. Home-made meals with ingredients you picked out yourself are healthier. Ensure that your family has (at least) a home-made dinner every day of the week; make it a routine and get your kids excited about it.
Maintaining a healthy weight is easier than losing excess weight, and for parents, it is important to teach your kids to eat healthily in their formative years. If you do, it becomes increasingly easier for them to keep at it when they grow older.
