Obesity and our kids

Image via CrunchBase

What better way to make sure that our next generations are also eating health foods, and practice good eating habits than to pass down our own personal habits of healthy eating? This is one sure way to rest assured that when our kids are on their own, they won't be lead astray (well, at least, they will eat right and get the proper nutrition that they need for their daily life).
By the way, my wife said it best: "You want your kids to eat fish and vegetables, show them!" That means being a role model, and it may be difficult if you are not used to it.
Read on...

----------


Teach Your Child About Good Eating Habits to Fight Obesity

Nowadays, many children are overweight and reaching the brink of obesity. The rapid increases in the rates of obesity are at a disturbing pace which makes it a worldwide issue that should concern each and every parent. It has been said that kids are naturally attracted to junk food and sugary treats and tend to push away all that's good for them. Hence, it is up to you parents to monitor your child's food intake and make sure they do not consume too much calories.

Studies show that between the age of 1 till 5, kids tend to be picky eaters and only eat certain things and at certain times. Often enough, this could be difficult as your child would create a big fuss. To avoid your child from growing up overweight, there are a few ways to teach them good eating habits.

First, children are more likely to eat their vegetable if it is cooked rather than raw. Also, give them small portions of a variety of vegetables so that they see different colors and get different taste. It would be best to stick to small portions at each meal so that they don't see too much of it. Also, put nutritious food in front of your child. Don't worry on how much he is eating. It is the quality of the food that is important, not the quantity.

Furthermore, satisfy your child's sweet tooth by serving nutritious fruit based desserts. You can occasionally add the delight of ice cream but not too often. Aside from that, try serving food in attractive ways like cutting vegetables in odd shapes, decorating with ketchup or herbs. Presentation matters to kids, the more attractive it is; the more likely they are to try it.

In conclusion, keep your child happy by serving foods in ways they would happily eat. During those frustrating moments at the dinner table, handle those situations with patience, a positive attitude and firmness. Don't be aggressive or emotional.

For more facts about childhood obesity including preventing childhood obesity, visit SolvingChildhoodObesity.com.

Article Directory: EzineArticles

----------

Related articles by Zemanta

• Reward with Food, Punish with Food: A Recipe for Obesity (susanheim.blogspot.com)
• Editorial: From Mrs. Obama's Garden (nytimes.com)
• Guest Post: A Recipe for Obesity (blisstree.com)
• My first guest blog series EVER (thiswomanswork.com)
• Marian Wright Edelman: Fighting Childhood Obesity (huffingtonpost.com)
• Eric Tipler: Childhood Obesity is a Social Justice Issue, Too (huffingtonpost.com)
• Letter: Food Makers and Obesity (nytimes.com)
• Mark Shriver: The First Lady's Challenge to Us All (huffingtonpost.com)
• Michelle Paige Paterson: Having Your Cake and Eating It Too (huffingtonpost.com)
• 10 Proven Techniques To Get Your Child Eating Veggies (fooducate.com)