Improving a child's health starts with parents
Setting health goals as a family will help you stay committed to a healthier lifestyle and draw you closer together.
Parents serve as powerful role models for their children. A parent’s eating and exercise habits can have a huge, long-term impact on their child’s overall health. In the United States, 1 in 3 children is currently classified as overweight or obese. Children who fall into this category are susceptible to carry weight-related health issues well into adulthood. If you are struggling with weight as well, then there is no better opportunity to get healthy as a family. Forming healthy food habits as a family can help your children be more productive and live a more enjoyable life. Children will have an easier time making changes if the whole family works together and makes nutrition an essential part of everyday life.
Trying to combat an unhealthy habit by restricting certain foods from your children can be tough. If the food is kept in the house the child may exhibit behavioral problems such as temper tantrums in order to attain the desired food or overindulging when it is finally obtained. If you are unwilling to get rid of your favorite snacks or beverages, one option is to not consume them in front of your child so as to avoid sparking their interest in consuming those products as well. However, it has been proven that food restriction works best if the food is kept out of the house entirely.
The key to creating successful eating habits is to offer options of healthy foods. Studies have shown that a child will develop healthier food preferences if they are given more exposure to new foods. When an unhealthy option is taken away, be sure to replace it with healthy alternatives. Keeping healthy alternatives around the house such as ready-to-eat fresh fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or string cheese will make it easier for children to obtain the food you want them to eat. Offering healthy choices for your child helps them feel more independent and willing to try new foods. Limiting their ability to acquire food that you do not want them to eat makes it easier for them to obtain the food you do want them to eat, and will aid in helping them conquer their picky eating habits.
Another great way to improve your child’s health is to make mealtime a designated family activity. Having at least one scheduled meal together at the kitchen table has many benefits. Families who eat together regularly have children with lower risks for obesity, increased consumption of vegetables, and they perform better in school. Be sure to limit distractions during mealtime, as well. Turning off the television and keeping toys and phones away from the table will help everyone focus on the meal and increase communication with each other.
Along with the incorporation of healthy eating behaviors, it is important to become and remain active. Performing physical activity can be fun as a family. Trips to the local park, taking a walk around the neighborhood, or playing soccer in the yard are all great ways to incorporate exercise into your family’s life. Try to fit at least 60 minutes of physical activity in each day. Physical activity is not only beneficial to weight status but also improves brain activity and performance in work and school.
Reversing the obesity epidemic starts in the home. Teaching your children by practicing healthy habits yourself is the best method to help kids learn about good nutrition. Setting health goals as a family will help you stay committed to a healthier lifestyle and draw you closer together. In supporting each other, you and your children will reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle both now and in the future.