Childhood obesity can be a sensitive subject, especially if you have an overweight child. You work hard to protect against bullying. Often, overweight children are picked on. As a parent, you want to protect your child. You don't want to make them feel worse.
There are things you can do to help your child lose weight, without saying a word.
Drink water. We all know we need to drink water, but even as adults we are often dehydrated. So how do you get a child to drink water?
~ Most children are allowed to bring water bottles to school or daycare. I have found that my daughter really enjoys taking her water bottle to school. It's something not all the kids do and therefore exciting.
~ Sugary cereals are out. There is little to no nutritional value in these and it will leave your child feeling hungry quickly. A good alternative is oatmeal. This adds complex carbohydrates which helps regulate blood sugar. It is also a great source of soluble fiber.
~ Pack your child's lunch. I have eaten lunch with my child at school before and you would be amazed at what they classify as "lunch" in the school cafeteria. This does not mean you have to pack your child brussel sprouts! There are plenty of good things you can pack that are good for you! I recently found a healthy mac and cheese recipe. You use wheat noodles, half the cheese and even add some broccoli. I like to make a few servings at once, divide them up into tupperwares, and my child can grab them quickly before heading out the door to school.
~ Plan healthy snacking. We all need to snack. I started putting tupperwares in the fridge for my kids filled with grapes and a couple of slices of cheese. I put each of their names on the outside of these and they each know they can run and get one of these to snack on at any time.
~ Encourage play time. Our children are too attached to television and video games. Certain video games even simulate play time but nothing is better then the real thing. Bicycling, roller skating, soccer, basketball and many more. Most any child can find a sport they enjoy.
Teaching our children these habits early will change the way the live their lives long term. They will not have to think about creating healthy habits as adults as this will be life as they've always known it.
Megan Bullington is the owner of Megan Bullington Fitness. She uses accountability groups to help others change their unhealthy habits and lose weight for good.
For a free copy of Megan's "30 Days to More Energy", go to http://www.tnfitmom.com/
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