Childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years. It is one of the major health concerns facing today’s youth as children are eating more processed foods and engaging in less physical activity. Obesity is a co-factor for a variety of diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers and will also affect children’s confidence in a social setting – which could lead to depression. The good news is that childhood obesity can be treated and prevented, and a big part of that starts at home!
Younger children will stop eating when they are full. Telling them to “clean their plate” may promote overeating habits. As children age they will eventually lose the ability to sense how full they are and will begin eating for social reasons instead of physiological ones. However, children do need to eat more often than adults because they need more nutrients to support their rapid rate of growth. The best way to provide this nutrition is with healthy snacks at set times between meals. Offer children nutrient dense snack options such as fruits, nuts, eggs, vegetable sticks, and nut butters.
Time spent in front of a TV, computer, video game, etc., is also affecting the childhood obesity epidemic. Encourage children get active through joining group sports teams and other activities, or just taking them to the park to get outside. This will help teach habits for leading a healthy lifestyle and boost their metabolism. Group sporting events can also help kids learn the importance of teamwork.
Find out what's happening in Freeholdfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
To read the rest of this article, click through to our website here.
