All of us want our kids and others' kids to be fit and healthy. We can take small steps to ensure that kids eat well, get enough exercise,and maintain proper body weight. Excessive weight and insufficient exercise are major problems for our young people, causing serious health, social, and personal development issues.
The solution sounds simple, yet many kids have compromised their health by being unfit, overweight, or obese. Studies show that overweight, unfit kids,are likely carry the problem into their adult lives with even more serious consequences.
First, the magnitude of the issue. More and more kids are becoming increasingly inactive. More are malnourished-they are not eating the right foods, and the results are readily observable. Excessive weight and obesity in America is correctly labeled as being epidemic. All you have to do is walk down any street, visit any school, attend any sports event or concert, or visit any food establishment, and you will be surrounded by it.
What brought it on?
There are many causes. Studies show that many kids spend as much as 6-7 hours per day watching TV, on the computer, or playing video games. This is their major form of entertainment. They are getting much less exercise than they need. In times past, much of this time was devoted to athletic games, exercise, being engaged in physically active events with other kids, or being physically active in some way. Now, to a large extent, it is electronic devices.
Fast food and sweetened colas are also big culprits. Such foods as french fries, calorie laden snacks and chips, fatty foods, and processed foods are far too common as regular food choices. Many more meals are eaten away from home and with that come those food choices that too often are convenient and tasty, but nutritionally deficient, or unhealthy.
What changes can be made to reverse the problem and to ensure that kids are fit and healthy rather than excessively heavy and obese?
Many changes can be made that are very practical and doable. Small, simple changes. It doesn't require a dramatic overhaul, or major,difficult changes to behaviors and practices. Rather, we can make a number of small changes that can have an enormous impact on kids fitness levels, their body weight, and their overall health.
The key is to get started.The pay-off will be well worth any effort and commitment made to accomplish the goals you have for your kids, and your own goals, as well. You will be well rewarded. It is also important to break it down so as not to be overwhelmed. Only take on what you think you can handle.You can add more later. Get Started!
What are some of the changes with which to start?
First off, remember that all the recommended changes are very doable for almost everyone. None requires dramatic changes. Rather a number of small changes is what works. This will ensure success and the success you desire for your kids. Taking action is the major change required. This is something that almost everyone can do, regardless of his or her current circumstances.
Here are some action steps that have worked well for many others:
Kids like sweetened colas, french fries, and other fast foods. There is no need to eliminate them. It is important that they are a "sometimes" part of their diets, rather than a regular, daily part of their food choices. It is also important to limit the intake of fatty foods, processed foods, and the use of condiments.
Condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise tend to be high in calories and have very low nutritional value. Use them sparingly. For instance, many people use ketchup on their french fries. This adds a tremendous number of empty calories to an already high calorie, high fat food. Try the fries without ketchup.
Know what is happening at your child's school. Learn what the menu is for the kid's meals at school. Make sure they are serving healthful, highly nutritional foods. Foods that are low in fats, high in nutrition. More fruits and vegetables, fewer processed foods.
Many kids need snacks to get them through their day. Make healthy snacks available. Encourage kids to choose healthy snacks when they are away from home.
And finally, make sure kids are getting regular, daily exercise. Biking, walking, running, team and individual sports, hiking, games, etc, are good activities.There are many others that will work. Do it with them when it makes sense. Adults that are in good shape and exercise consistently are excellent role models for kids. Proper diet and sufficient exercise are a must for kids to enjoy good fitness, healthy body weight and overall health.
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