No Child Is Born To Be Fat

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. How much more stubborn are humans than horses? Natural selection has kept the balance in every area except humanity. Survival of the fittest, that is nature's way. There is no weak link allowed in nature, disease kills the weak, and makes any survivors that much stronger or resistant. Humans once endured the same hardships as every other life form does in nature. Humans however, developed systems to avoid 'natural' selection. In doing so, they also allowed the regeneration of weak DNA, resulting in chronic health issues passed from one generation to the next. Life is now sustained regardless of physical condition. To complicate the situation further, they have added excessive creature comforts, and the masses have taken full advantage.

For reasons that I have my own opinions of, the medical community has educated the masses that heredity is to blame, and to a degree it is. The actual truth, is the diet of the parents and what they are feeding the children is the 'heritage' that is being passed along. Over feeding, or poorly feeding anything, does not make for a healthy life. Human, animal or plant. It has been proven over and over. Education is not working, you can find the information everywhere and most of it is free. I teach classes and my classroom is empty. I've heard all the excuses.

A human child's body needs specialized calories (energy), it needs specialized nutrients, (a variety of foods, not just starches and sugars). It needs water, not soda, not powdered mixes, and not 'juice drinks'. It needs to run and play in the outdoors. They need to get dirty, they need to get scraped and scratched (to build the immune system). The highly marketed 'fear' of germs 'campaign' that has saturated the airwaves for decades, and the unnecessary food products consumed (also marketed for generations), have parents believing a sterile environment is good for kids. At the same time, they think they can 'grow' a healthy body with artificial food and a vitamin pill.

Everything involving childhood obesity is connected to overfeeding or poorly feeding and a lack of activity, especially the outdoor kind. A healthy, muscular, body requires the 'nutrients' to build one. A healthy body starts with the immune system, (white blood cells that locate and destroy anything abnormal) nothing to fight=failure to function (autoimmune disorder). A healthy body mass requires protein, no protein for building muscle= fat. Muscle won't develop if there is no physical activity. Carrying around fat, will build muscle in the areas supporting the weight. Look at any fat/obese person who is still able to walk and check out the calf muscles. Next ask the ones on 'disability' and riding scooters if it is because they blew out their knees, or backs carrying the extra weight. 100% will say yes, to one or both conditions. Finally, there is no getting around it, calories that are not used are stored, as fat, period.

I am here to help parents, if your child is 1-10 years old, it is not too late. If they are 5-10 years already, the self esteem alone, will be so worth the effort.They will thank you in the end, that I promise. For more information or to schedule a consultation please visit. http://eatingrainbows.net/consultationsclassescookbooks

Original article

Why Should If Care If My Child Is Fat, Overweight, Or Obese? What's The Difference?

How can we help our kids lose weight? Is it important that they slim down? Yes! It is vital that we "cut our kids down to size!" Extra calories are creating more than plump cheeks and chubby bodies. Unneeded calories are jeopardizing our children's health. Instead of worrying only about how to pay for college, add weight reduction as an important responsibility in the stewardship of your child's future.

Statistics show that overweight or obese children typically grow up to be overweight or obese adults or raise overweight or obese children who grow up to be...well, you get the idea. Part of the problem is certainly heredity. Our children may be born with an inner metabolism that predisposes them to weight issues. However, the eating habits they develop as children are often more to blame than their inherited tendency to be overweight.

Adults often don't know the basics of good nutrition which will lead to a lifetime of weight management. (This is why most adults are also overweight.) Many of us were raised by parents ("or parents who were raised by parents") who lived through the Great Depression of the 1930's. The memory of bread lines and inadequate food supply has haunted their memories and they have developed attitudes about making sure they, and their children, get enough to eat.

After World War II when goods and foods, and the money to buy them, became abundant for so many people, there was an understandable desire to "live the good life". Women went to work leaving little time for food preparation... and the ready-made-meals industry was born! It wasn't until high-tech medical tools for research were developed in the late 50's and 60's that scientists began to uncover the relationship between what we eat and our health. (Remember the "damn the egg" move of the 60's? The relationship between eggs and cholesterol became routine conversation.)

It took several decades, however, for over-consumption of fats, sugar, sodium, and calories to deliver the brunt of their effect. We became a nation of obese people with heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. We are now in the "enlightenment" phase. We see the damage excess food habits and sedentary lifestyles have produced.

Start today to educate yourself and your children as to the problem (obesity is making us sick), and the solution (exercise and eating the right foods at the right times and in the right amounts). Our health as a family and as a nation depend on it!

Sue Bristol, R.N. says: "lose weight and lower your BMI"

Here's the "Secret Weight Loss Diet" that virtually EVERY successful dieter uses. (Whether or not they are even aware of it!)

Click Here to get your Free e-book, which will give you the "Weight Loss Secret" You don't need to be overweight: how to lose weight

There is One Correct Diet

Original article

Child Nutrition: Help Your Child Be Healthy

The food your child eats is important not only now but also for the rest of his or her life. A small child is going to need various types of foods for energy to play, grow, and to build a healthy body. Muscles and bones are forming over the first fifteen years of life, and when eating the right types of foods and including smart nutrition your child is more likely to avoid sickness and to ward off some types of disease.

Your child's nutrition

Your child's nutrition is going to start with you. You child is going to see what foods you eat, and when you are more likely to eat them, and your child is going to build their own habits from those habits he or she sees you following. If you eat breakfast on the go, all the time, your child will feel this is normal and ok, but you should be sitting down to a breakfast every morning for good nutrition basics. Even if you are eating a bowl of cereal or you are enjoying a glass of juice, taking five minutes will encourage better eating habits.

Nutrition for your child's health

Healthy beginnings start with fruits, vegetables and good portions of meats. The food pyramid is going to be important in the early stages of life so that your child will learn to eat many types of foods, and not only the foods they like the taste and looks of. Giving your child many options in life will help them pick foods that are better for them in the long run. Healthy children are not going to eat burgers and fries for every meal, but they will have a well-rounded life with nutrition builders such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and variations of these builders.

Teaching good habits for your child's nutrition awareness will start with reading labels. Learn about what preservatives and additives are in some of the foods you are eating, and then talk about these with your child as they grow. Include foods that are all natural, or that contain very little preservatives for a solid start in their understanding of nutrition.

Be patient.

Don't try to force your children to eat if they refuse to finish their meal. By creating drama in the kitchen, you set a bad tone for the future. Kids will automatically think of mealtime as a negative experience and will only become more reluctant when it comes to eating. Be persistent by offering a variety of foods along with those you know they like. As new foods become familiar, your children will be more likely to try them.

* Remember, timing is everything. In the midst of a dinnertime showdown, children don't want to hear all of the reasons why they should eat the food sitting on their plate.

Original article

Steps That You Can Take to Help an Overweight Child

Today, it is a fact that the percentage of people in America who are overweight and those who are suffering from eating disorders is rapidly on the rise and the sad thing is that many of these people are our children. There are many parents who are totally shocked when they witness their children eating large amounts of food and when they begin to put on extra pounds, they put the hammer down on them to shed the excess weight. Most kids are naïve about the food choices that they make, so as a parent it is our responsibility to teach our children the importance of healthy eating instead of criticizing them about what they eat all of the time.

If you are the parent of an overweight child there is no need to panic because there are ways to encourage your child to lose those extra pounds while at the same time not getting into a confrontation with them all of the time.

The first thing that you need to remember is to choose your words carefully when you talk to your children about their eating habits as harsh words can often have long-term effects on your child's health. If you are constantly harping or nagging at them about their eating, this can cause them to suppress their emotions and keep them inside and this is not a good thing for their well-being. The best thing that you can do is to set a good example for them. If you want them to eat certain foods such as vegetables, make sure that you enjoy them also because it will be a lot easier to develop good eating habits in your children if you possess them yourself.

You need to keep in mind that your overall goal is not a strict diet, but a healthier lifestyle for your child. The key to success is to properly educate your child on healthy food choices and you do this by making smart food choices for yourself in front of your children. If your child constantly sees you scoffing up candy bars or eating a gallon of ice cream and then you scold them for having an extra piece of cake, they will become frustrated and may decide not to listen to your advice any longer. Make sure that you also teach them the importance of proper daily nutrition and the best time to do this is not at the dinner table where they may feel pressured, but at a place where they feel relaxed.

Do not force your child to exercise. Instead encourage them to participate in things with you know that you know they enjoy and this way you can get them moving. Invite them on a walk or challenge them to a one on one game of basketball or ask them to take a bike ride with you and these are all good forms of exercise. If your child is sensitive about showing their body, choose activities that avoid this.

Try to get your child involved with playing with other children in your neighborhood. This is difficult for some kids especially if they have been picked on by others because of their weight. Some kids are too embarrassed to play with other kids and this is a big issue for them and you need to be respectful of this. If they are able to play with others, this is a great way to build up their self-esteem and they will respect you for doing this.

Last of all make sure that you do not force your child to eat less because your child will not appreciate you constantly keeping at and hovering over them. There are a lot of children who turn to eating for comfort at a very young age and this is not a healthy thing for them. The key is to try to provide them with healthy alternatives that will be better for them. Instead of eating potato chips, offer them popcorn and when they are craving soda, offer them a fruit drink or smoothie.

Dealing with your child's weight problem will prove to be a challenge, but when you approach it in a friendly way, your child will be much more open to the idea and you can work together with them to hopefully solve the weight problem once and for all.

I hope that you enjoyed this article and if you would like some great free information on eating healthy, please visit my web site where you will find some great tips to help you live a long and healthy life.

I am a 54 year old retired mill worker from Northern Maine. I am happily married with 3 wonderful boys. My main interests are my family and God. I own a eating healthy web site with great tips and information that is designed to help you live a healthier and longer life.

http://eatinghealthyhub.com/

Original article

Super Size Me - Child Obesity Epidemic

In the inaugural issue of a health magazine, which is dedicated to consumers with education supporting safe and healthy living; one article title grabbed my attention: Obesity Epidemic Confronting Our Youth.

While I agree child obesity is epidemic, the article title implies that obesity is a sinister monster lurking in the grocery store or the home environment diabolically grabbing innocent children; wrestling them to the ground and forcing junk food down their throats. Obesity is a family lifestyle - nothing more; nothing less. Children eat what their parents buy.

The author, who has a B.S. degree in Cellular Biology, opines that "Perhaps the greatest injustice with regard to our health is obesity afflicting innocent and vulnerable children across North America." This statement reinforces the article title that a sinister monster is lurking in the grocery store or the home environment diabolically grabbing innocent children and forcing them to eat junk food.

The truth is there is a sinister monster lurking in the home environment diabolically indoctrinating children and adults vis-a-vis TV commercials of junk food that is touted to be healthy because chemically manufactured Vitamins have been added to the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) that once contained natural Vitamins.

Nearly one in three children is overweight or obese. In 2009 the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) estimated that nearly 17% of children and adolescents aged 2 - 19 years are obese. According to the Childhood Obesity Foundation in Canada, over 26% of children are considered overweight or obese.

A high number of children have developed obesity-related chronic dysfunctions that are prevalent among adults. These chronic dysfunctions include, but are not limited to: Type II diabetes, poor glucose and insulin metabolism, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart disease, inflammation, sleep apnea, asthma, allergies, orthopedic complications and negative psychosocial Effects and Stigma.

A University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and Children's Mercy Hospital study showed that obese children between the ages of 6 to 19 (average age 13) had arterial wall thickness (plaque buildup) normally seen in adults thirty years older.

Child obesity has gone from 5.5% to 16.9%, statistics in several areas of the country show that Type II diabetes has increased from 4% to 16%. The majority of children developed diabetes between the ages of 10 and 14. That is an increase of 300% and 400%.

If these alarming numbers do not cause parents to make changes in what food they buy for the family; one has to wonder why the blatant indifference to theirs' and their children's health.

It is my intention to not only raise awareness to this diabolical disregard for humanity's health, but also to provide clarification of the cause and offer the common sense solution. Buy all organic food, no GMO food, no processed food with GMO ingredients. There is no such thing as 'healthy' GMO or fast food - McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, KFC, and the list goes on.

Thomas Edison had it right when he said, "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest people in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."

What transpired between Edison's time and now? What transpired is the post WWII enterprising corporate greed to produce everything faster, bigger and easier. Americans bought into it as the answer to less work, bigger and easier in their own quest to aggrandize themselves - taking no heed to the negative effects.

Reference documentary: 'Super Size Me,' 'Food Inc.' 'The Future Of Food.com;' 'Genetically Modified Food: Panacea or Poison;' 'Seed of Deception.com;' 'Unnatural Selection;' 'Natural News.com'

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Metaphysician - Certified Hypnosis Practitioner, Author and Speaker. Dr. Dorothy facilitates clearing blocks, fears and limiting beliefs. You can live the life you desire. She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one's thoughts and feelings. http://www.drdorothy.net/

Original article

Heart Disease Prevention Starts in Childhood: What You Can Do to Protect Your Child

On the front page of the December issue of the Pediatric News journal is the new recommendation to test all 9 to 11 year olds for cholesterol level. According to this article, "...heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems in adulthood are often the end result of cardiovascular risk factors that went unrecognized throughout childhood..." (Splete)

I'm glad to see that we, as pediatricians, are acknowledging the fact that heart disease, like many other diseases, really starts in childhood. And while I fully support the screening process, I'm much more interested in prevention. What should we do during that first decade of our children's lives to make the screening unnecessary? It's all about diet and lifestyle.

For the past thirty years, child health has been going in the wrong direction. Childhood overweight and obesity has skyrocketed during the past 3 decades. And that trend is directly linked to the increased incidence of a variety of heart related disorders in children, most notably high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and high cholesterol levels. This is a very serious problem, given that epidemiologists are proposing that life expectancy for this rising generation of children could be shortened by as much as eight years. So, what are the primary factors leading to these disturbing trends?

Our reliance on convenient foods that are full of additives and sugar while deficient in nutrients. Our fast paced lifestyle has us purchasing more fast food, and more prepackaged foods to feed our families compared to previous generations.
our schools are largely feeding our children prepared, and often fried foods, offering minimal fruits and vegetables. Schools also rely heavily on snack and soda vending machines for revenue, at the expense of children's health.
our children are leading sedentary, technology saturated lifestyles. With the average child spending about 7 hours using media daily (yikes!), our children are being deprived of needed physical activity. And schools have severely reduced or eliminated physical education in the curriculum.

We need to make some fundamental changes in the way we feed our children. Don't believe the myth that children don't need to worry about what they eat until they grow older. We have known for years that the roots of heart disease begin in childhood. And remember, the habits they develop in childhood will persist into adulthood, so we want to instill the right habits now. Here's what we can do:

Provide our children with a diet high in fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that even as early as toddler age, our children's diets are severely deficient in fruits and vegetables. It will take creativity given their finicky appetites, but there are numerous resources available. Check out "The Sneaky Chef" by Missy Chase Lapine or the website http://www.cancerproject.org/ for menu ideas.
Provide more home cooked meals for our children, so that we can ensure that they are receiving freshly prepared and healthy ingredients in their meals. Studies have shown that children who eat more meals at home have lower rates of obesity and other health problems.
Get our children exercising more. The recommended level of activity is 60 minutes of vigorous activity every day. I know it sounds daunting, but just getting them outside for free play will peak their natural tendency to exercise. And we can exercise with them. Remember to make it fun. Playing ball together, family walks, or even family P90X.

We often say that we want our children to have a better life than we have; so let's give them a better legacy of health and longevity!

Reference:

Splete, H. Test Cholesterol in all 9- to 11-year olds. Pediatric News. December 2011, Vol 45, No. 12.

Dr. Teresa Fuller is double board certified in pediatrics and integrative holistic medicine. She also has a doctorate in physiology. She if founder of A Healthy Tomorrow, whose mission is to restore America's children to the legacy of health that they deserve. Her goal is to equip families with information and resources to improve children's health. Check out her website, http://www.ahealthytomorrow.org/, to learn about more ways to prevent and reverse disease, and to subscribe to our e-newsletter.

Original article

Wintertime Child Fitness

A lot of people think of summer as the time they have to get the kids outdoors and involved in some sports in order to be healthy and happy. The thing is, the need for this type of fitness for your child is just as great during the winter months. The simple fact of the matter is that childhood obesity is something that is steadily on the rise. In some areas of the world, including the United States, this is a problem that is getting out of control.

As much as you want to think that your child's school is giving him or her enough activities during the day to exercise, this is simply not going to cut it. Just as you would during the warmer months, you are going to have to make sure that you are doing your best to keep your kids active. If they are not doing it on their own, you are going to have to get involved, which is something you might want to be doing anyways.

One thing that you might want to try is playing outside in the snow. Even though it sounds like it is nothing more than a lot of fun, it is a lot of exercise, which is good for everyone in the family. Get out in the snow, build a snow fort and make sure you start a good snowball fight.

Sled riding is another great activity during the winter months where there is an ample amount of snow. Even though the sliding down the hill part does not take a lot of energy, walking back up that hill dragging the sled along is exercise.

If you do not get a lot of snow during the winter, simply hate the snow you do get or just want something a little different to do, you might want to see about finding an indoor basketball hoop somewhere. There are also various sports centers out there that will have an indoor soccer team that your children may be able to join.

What about those days where you simply want to stay at home?

It's okay, maybe it is time to break out the video game system, specifically, the wii system. with the wii system, your family will be able to have a lot of home entertainment and your kids will be able to get some exercise in, even though it is disguised as sheer fun.

When you make sure that you are taking every opportunity to get your kids involved in some sort of wintertime fitness, you will be helping to make sure that they are not just healthy now, but that they grow into healthy adults with healthy fitness habits.

Raising strong, active and healthy children in today's fast-paced and fast food environment gets harder and harder with each passing day. To get tips and ideas about child fitness, child health and child nutrition and learn how to keep your children healthy, strong and happy. At Concerning Kids, you will discover fun things to do that will help your healthy kids live longer, live stronger and lead a more fun, active and healthy lifestyle.

Original article

The Main Causes Of Child Obesity

It is a simple fact which cannot be shied away from for any longer. Humans are becoming more rotund and significantly more unhealthy these days, which has a terrible knock on effect on people when they grow older. It might be horrifying to think about, but many people are giving their children serious health problems to come as they age because of what they are feeding them. It is one of the major causes of child obesity.

At one point in time children were healthy and able to exercise freely. They were not large or overweight, and they were able to complete tasks which tested their stamina and athletic ability without difficulty. In the same tests today, many children find themselves unable to complete the task.

However, what is it that has resulted in the increase in children's unhealthiness? What are the long term effects that will happen to these same children in the future? To find out, people need to look at a wider range of things happening in the globe.

The amount of exercise which people do on a daily basis, even without thinking about it, has significantly decreased. This is a major problem for all those involved. Previously, people would have to walk to big stores to shop at. Today, people rely on the convenience of taxis or cars.

Even something as simple as television watching has been totally changed. Fifty years ago, those watching television programs would have had to have stood up and walked over to the television set in order to change the channel. Today, the remote control has removed the need to do that. There is an increasingly sedentary lifestyle which is taking hold across the globe.

This is having a major effect on the level of exercise the average person is able to get in a single day. Children have not escaped this problem, either. They are actively choosing to sit inside a home and play on a games console rather than go outside and play in the open air.

Still worse, the average person's daily diet has become terrible, in comparison to what it once was. Calorie laden meals which can be microwaved in minutes have replaced the standard fresh fare which people once ate regularly. When this fat heavy diet is combined with general lack of exercise, it is evident what the causes of child obesity are. They have to sort out extenuating circumstances to make sure that people are healthy again.

Learn more about Child Obesity. Stop by Darryl Jones's site where you can find out all about Fitness News and how it can help you.

Original article

Defeat Child Obesity With Healthy Lunch Ideas

The percentage of overweight kids has grown from a problem to an epidemic today. The America Academy of Pediatrics has given various reasons for this increase in the number of overweight children. One issue is the fact that parents have less time than previously and find it easier to provide kids with convenience and fast foods.

Kids encouraged to eat junk food would rather have potato chips, French fries or deep fried meat than a healthy alternative. This is often not helped by the poor state of school lunches. They contain processed and convenience foods with chemicals and additives, similar to fast food restaurants.

A worse scenario is major soft drink companies promoting their unhealthy beverages all over America. Schools readily allow them access to children because they provide funding for their athletic and recreational programs. Today more franchise fast food and zero nutrition soft drinks are available to kids in school than ever before. This is 100% damaging the health of our children.

The ADA has acknowledged the fact that kids are not consuming enough of the vegetables and fruits that prevent heart diseases and help kids have a healthy weight. Parents should be concerned about what their kids are consuming at school and should encourage them to make their own healthy lunches and snacks.

The number one thing parents should do is contact school boards and inform them of this issue. Children who don't participate in sports usually consume more and eating from the unhealthy school cafeteria menus is seriously injurious to their growth. School lunch menus should carry fresh produce and baked meat and potatoes rather fried.

Second, Parents should educate children about the benefits of vegetables, fruits, dairy products and whole wheat foods. You should try to push these nutrients in small proportions since children will avoid large servings at first. The more parents get involved the better the situation gets for the children.

Involving children in choosing, preparing and packing their lunch is essential to developing good healthy eating habits. Let the kids choose their favorite vegetables, dairy products and fruits and learn what they like most and what they don't.

Usually, overweight children enjoy lots of sweets and fattening fast foods. The difficult task is to eliminate this eating pattern and stop them eating unhealthy food permanently. Prepare healthy snacks for them to consume all day, keep them easily accessible and make sure sweets are consumed as a treat not a meal. Snacks with fruits, cream cheese, vegetables with hummus dip, whole wheat cereals and bread are excellent choices for children who are plagued with obesity.

Unhealthy eating patterns continue from generation to generation, so by developing healthy lunch ideas you are actually helping the health of your grand-children and great grand-children!

Jay Holt is a graduate from the University of Florida's nutrition college. Jay is a health and fitness advocate and has combined his literary aspirations with his love of nutrition. His ability to see the world through a child's eyes is unequaled. His book "The Adventures of Tommy the Tomato" is highly recommended by parents and educators everywhere (and kid-approved). Get more healthy lunch ideas and find out how you can teach your kids about nutrition and avoid childhood obesity.

Original article

Is Your Child Experiencing A "Nature-Deficiency?"

Where are the children? The streets should be alive with the sounds of laughing children, the sounds of balls being bounced, kicked, or hit with bats, the sounds of bikes whizzing by. But instead, the streets are eerily quiet.

These days, fewer kids are playing outdoors. This trend is disturbing, because there are so many benefits to physical exercise and outdoor play. In an eye-opening book entitled Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, author Richard Louv examines the decline of our children's exposure to the natural environment. He warns:

"If, as a growing body of evidence recommends, 'contact with nature is as important to children as good nutrition and adequate sleep, then current trends in children's access to nature need to be addressed.'"

So here are 3 reasons our children need more time in the natural outdoor environment:

The outdoor environment encourages exercise

Lack of physical exercise has contributed greatly to the obesity epidemic that our children are experiencing, with now one in three children being overweight or obese. This obesity epidemic is resulting in higher rates of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, heart disease and even mental health disorders. And exercise has another great benefit: studies have also shown that exercise improves cognitive ability, especially in the areas of math performance and executive functioning.

The natural outdoor environment stimulates concentration and focus

As a pediatrician, I have been deeply concerned about the rising rates of ADHD in our children. Almost 1 out of every 10 children carries this diagnosis, and many of them are being treated with medications which can have harmful side effects. But several research studies documented in Louv's book suggest that "more time in nature - combined with less television and more stimulating play and educational settings--may go a long way toward reducing attention deficits in children..."

There are dangers to too much indoor time

As parents, we often worry about dangers of outdoor play, such as our children becoming victims of random violence, abduction or accidental injury. But it's also important to recognize the dangers of keeping our kids indoors. For example, indoor air pollution is now being touted as the nation's number one environmental health threat because of pollution from toxic molds, allergens, lead dust, etc. The indoor environment also encourages a sedentary, technology saturated lifestyle. With the average child spending about 7 hours using media daily (yikes!), our children are being deprived of exposure to and appreciation for the natural world.

So let's commit to getting our kids outdoors more often, especially with the extra time that the summer provides. And we don't have to simply send them out alone, but we can generate great family moments through a family walk, a competitive game of backyard football or even an overnight camping trip.

Reference

Louv, Richard (2008) Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder. Algonquin Books.

Author, Dr. Teresa Fuller, M.D., Ph.D., is a physiologist and a board-certified pediatrician who has been practicing for ten years. Her focus is on reducing childhood overweight and obesity by creating healthy families that are committed to wellness.

http://www.ahealthytomorrow.org/

Original article

Childhood Obesity - Are You Setting Your Child Up for Depression?

Can you imagine your child depressed? If you've ever experienced depression that's not something you would want to consider. Depending on your family's eating habits, you may be setting your child up for just that.

Recent studies have found a connection between obesity and depression. It's no surprise really. If you are obese, there are a number of factors to consider.

1. Your self esteem is low. No matter what you try to tell yourself, or others, you do not like the way you look.

2. Your energy is low. If you have battled depression, you know it can be a struggle just to get out of bed. The same is true with obesity. Your energy can be low from lack of nutrition.

3. If you are obese, you are probably not exercising 5-6 times a week as you should. Exercise is a natural depression fighter. When you work up a sweat, you release endorphins which are your body's natural feel good chemical.

4. Your nutrition is poor. This is common sense. If you are overweight, you are probably not eating what you should. Another way of saying that is - you're probably eating a lot of things you shouldn't!

So how does this affect your child? In my state 1 out of every 3 children are overweight. While they may not be battling depression YET, they are probably experiencing some of the other symptoms mentioned above. So what can you do? You realize the path laid out for your child and this is not what you want for them. You had envisioned so much more.

1. Start cooking the foods your family needs. Let your child cook with you. This teaches them how to make the right kind of foods and it is a great bonding experience.

2. Exercise with your child. This doesn't mean you should necessarily make them do step aerobics with you. Find something they enjoy and do it with them. Soccer, football, dance. Make sure time in front of the television is limited.

3. Do not reward your child with food. Many of the habits we have today we formed years ago. How many times have you felt like eating junk food because you had a bad day?

4. Pack the school lunch. You might be amazed at what the school cafeteria is serving and what your child is choosing! This doesn't mean you have to pack them a salad. There are great resources available on healthy meals your kids will eat!

Your family can change. Showing your children the right choices can affect generations to come!

Megan Bullington is an Independent Team Beachbody Coach and owner of http://www.tnfitmom.com/

Megan is not a doctor, but someone who has battled depression and anxiety. She wants to use her personal experience to encourage others to chose health and fitness as a way to lead the lives they were designed to live.

Original article

Some Positive Steps To Take In Reducing Child Obesity

One of the major issues of this generation is childhood obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that 12.5 million children and adolescents between the ages of 2-19 are obese in the United States with this number being tripled since 1980. That is an alarming increase! This is not only a problem in the United States but it is now a worldwide epidemic.

What is causing obesity? Genetics can play a role but they certainly are not the only cause. I believe the real cause revolves around our lifestyles. I remember when I was much younger my mom was a housewife and my dad worked to support the family. She prepared all of the meals for my family. They were healthy meals consisting of various types of meat, vegetables, and salads. Now fast-forward 30 years and notice what is trending in society. Both parents are working and don't have any time to prepare a healthy meal for their children. What generally happens when both parents work full time? They stop at any of the local fast food restaurants to bring home supper for their children. One study reported that nearly one third of all children between the ages of 4-19 eat fast food every day. These foods generally are very high in sugar and fat. Can you just imagine if they super-size the meals?

I feel another reason for the high obesity rate is that we live in the video game generation and there is a tremendous lack of physical activity among young people. I remember when I was younger we were outside running around all the time. Even during the summer months my mother wanted us playing outside and not inside. Oddly enough this was when the Atari 2600 and 5200 were just becoming popular. We spent more time outside playing football, baseball, and basketball and really didn't care about playing video games all the time. I don't recall any of the kids in my neighborhood being obese. So eating fast foods high in fat and then having no physical activity on top of that is the perfect formula for weight gain. It's notable that organizations like the National Football League are encouraging kids to be more active with their Play60 campaign; play for one hour after school.

So now we have exposed the major issues that cause obesity. What can be done to alleviate this epidemic of child obesity? It will not happen overnight but if we implement the following methods it will be a great start.

Eat more fruits and vegetable rather than eating junk foods.
Stop drinking soft drinks that are sugar laden. Drink more water and low-fat milk.
Bake, broil, and steam your food instead of frying.
Never allow your children to skip breakfast; it is the most important meal of the day. Missing this meal will only cause them to eat larger portions during the day.
Sit at the table to eat. Eating elsewhere, like in front of the computer or the television, can lessen your awareness as to what you ate, causing you to possibly eat more than what is necessary.
Prepare a regular exercise routine and stick to it.
Limit the time spent doing sedentary things, like playing video games or being on the computer.
Parents, set the example for your children by eating correctly and exercising regularly.

It's true that child obesity is a worldwide epidemic but it doesn't have to remain that way. By implementing the aforementioned methods and by making a real and honest effort to make changes, your child will grow to live a very long and healthy life.

Michael has been working in the medical field as an EMT for the last 16 years and has been a consultant for the health and wellness firm, Immunotec, since October 2008. His goal is to educate you regarding ways to ensure that your health reaches an optimum level and it stays that way. If you would like to comment on this article and others like it please visit http://blog.the2in1initiative.com/. If you would like to learn more about or purchase some products mentioned in the article please visit http://www.betterhealthconsultants.com/.

Original article

Are You Making Your Child Obese?

You as a mother get really tensed up when you see your child weighting too much on the weighing machine. If you are good at finding excuses then you can blame it on fast food. You can go on and blame your kids because they don't listen to your tips on healthy eating. Well, if you really want to get to the root of the problem then make a reality check: You could be the real culprit.

Many parents show too much concern for their kids over-weight and health problems related with it, but practically they just pay lip service when it comes to really putting things in order.

If you really want your kids to grow healthy, then you must ensure that they eat home-cooked-fresh-food. If you are a working woman and do cooking yourself, then do not fall prey to the temptation of regularly buying food from the neighborhood food- stall, just because you get too tired to cook yourself. It really does not take much time to cook food and the benefits far exceed the efforts you put in.

The foundation of good-food-habits are laid during toddler years. If the baby is fed on variety of foods and fruits then this sticks throughout the life. But if your kids feast on sweets, ice-creams, and burgers then it is sure an invitation to obesity, much sooner than you can imagine. You can't expect your kids to change their food habits overnight. High calorie diet actually becomes an addiction and soon it becomes a vicious circle. So, keep a check on food items from the very beginning.

In most families, both the parents work. We are always running short of time: hectic schedules, deadlines to meet, urgent business meetings. We don't get time to play with our children. Our younger ones have no option but to pass their time watching cartoons on idiot box or play video games. Many times we ourselves encourage them to do this because we have important work at home and can't concentrate if disturbed every minute. When this becomes addictions we are the first ones to complain.

We should spend more time with our children outdoors. They should be introduced to sports or some kind of physical activity when they are very young. If they are hooked to sports then keeping healthy does not seem to be a big task. If this happens then much of the excess calories will be burnt and that would make you feel lighter too. So stop looking for excuses and take real steps to fight that bulge around your children. Sooner the better.

Original article

Tips on How to Help Your Overweight Child

The change has to start in the household, please DO NOT blame your child for their weight issues, instead follow these tips on how to help change the behavior.

1. Be supportive- do not say negative things about their weight instead be supportive and encourage a healthier lifestyle; not just by talking about it, but by living it.

2. Listen to your child's concerns about their weight- Kids are smart, they know they have a weight problem so talk to them about their feelings regarding it

3. Bring more fruits and vegetables in the house- Allow your child to shop with you and pick out their favorite ones. If they are more concerned with the sugary food aisle, then just bring home the produce that you know they will eat before you start introducing too many new foods.

4. Purchase fewer soft drinks and processed snacks- Instead purchase water, fresh vegetables such as carrots, cucumber slices, nuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, low fat milk, and fresh fruit.

5. Skip the fast food lane- Start experimenting with some new recipes that you have been dying to try. Just because the fast food lane exists, it doesn't mean we have to utilize it. Did you know that just ONE visit to a fast food joint could rack up an entire days worth of calories. Cook at home and make it family time where you can discuss their day, school, goals, or homework.

6. Don't discourage your child if they hesitate on trying a new food at first- Some kids need to see a food over 10 times before they will eat it.

7. Do NOT use food as a reward. Food is fuel for our bodies; it is not a reward nor a punishment of any kind. By promising dessert if they finish their broccoli is only sending out mixed messages and making the vegetables seem less valuable.

8. Be active together- Incorporate active chores such as washing the car, vacuuming, or sweeping the sidewalk. Plan active trips like a family bike ride, a walk through a local park, a trip to the zoo.

9. Set a good example- Your child will follow your lead. If they see you are being active and putting your health first, they will start to do the same. Don't talk the talk unless you walk the Walk.

10. Encourage your child to join a sport- it doesn't have to be a school sport, try an event at the local community center or an after school class that peaks their interest. This opens up time for you to communicate what your child likes to do; do they like to dance, gymnastics, run- there are all kinds of activities available to fit their interest.

For the first time in history we will outlive our own child, which is a sad fact so we have to take control of it NOW. We must take the control back from food. The more junk we feed our children the closer to disease we are pushing them. Let's start being the healthy role model in our families that they need.

Transformations 4 Life is about empowering women to put their health on their daily to do list and become the best role model they can be. It is our mission to educate women on fitness, optimal wellness, and nutrition so they can transform in all the areas of their lives. Services include e-books, mobile personal training, online training, boot camps, and youth conditioning. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter and receive our free ebook at http://www.transformations4life.com/

"People with goals succeed because they know where they are going. It's as simple as that." - Earl Nightingale

Original article

Give Your Child The Gift of Good Eating Habits

Creating good eating habits for your child is one of the most important jobs you have as a parent. Like most things that children learn they are going to accept and learn what you demonstrate to them far more than they will what you tell them. And eating habits, like most good habits must be formed early in order to have the most impact.

Here are just a few things that every parent ought to know to help their child cultivate good eating habits to prevent a lifetime of frustration and discouragement that comes with becoming overweight.

• As soon as your child starts eating solid food keep them away from sweets. A child who grows up without candy, soda pop and dessert will never miss it as they grow older. Most people who have a sweet tooth developed it very young.

• When you serve your child food, don't serve them more food than about the size of their fist. This will usually fill them up. If they are hungry and ask for more, make it a smaller portion.

• Never force a child to finish what is on their plate and if you're trying them on a new food start out with very small portions and allow them to decide if they like it or not.

• Never use food as a reward for good behavior and never withhold food for discipline. Take food out of the equation as a bargaining chip with your child.

• Encourage your child to eat foods that you know are healthier and less fattening. Talk up how good salads, vegetables and lean meats are and have them experiment tasting these foods with you.

• Don't force your child to eat on a rigid schedule. They know if they are hungry or not and forcing them to eat when they're not disables their ability to eat when they need to, not when they think they should.

• Have your child eat at the kitchen table, not in front of the TV where he will develop mindless eating habits.

• Discourage snacking between meals and never use food as a pacifier for your child in the car or at home.

• Finally, encourage your child to develop good eating habits by following those habits yourself. Kids never buy into the "do as I say, not as I do argument."

If you are able to instill good eating habits in a child early, you will have given them a gift that is priceless. They won't have to fight the diet demon and they will have a far better chance of getting the gift of good health.

If you don't change your habits, your habits will ensure that you never change.

My name is Larry Allen and I spent the last three years researching and analyzing why diet and exercise programs don't work for most people and developing an alternative that does.

"It's Just A Habit" is a bold new approach to permanent weight loss. It shows how by following 4 simple habits can have dramatic results that are not achievable through diet and exercise. No diet and exercise plans, no pills, no hype and no phony promises. It's simple and it's easy.

Visit my website at http://itsjustahabit.com/ and discover why you haven't been able to lose weight permanently and what you can do about it.

Original article

How To Get Your Child To Diet - It's Not Easy, But It Is Critical To Teach Him How To Lose Weight

There are many obstacles you will face when you attempt to guide your child toward a healthy weight. There are typically changes that need to be made...changes involving types of foods your kids eat, when they eat, and how they eat. Be prepared for complaints (to put it mildly)...the kids are not going to like having their food "messed with".

You will deal with some obstacles along the way. If you are expecting the problems, you will be better equipped to deal with them. Here are a few of the snags you may run in to and suggestions on how to derail them:

1. Your child is totally accustomed to dessert and "throws a fit" (literally or figuratively) when you dare to suggest that this is the new way of doing things. The good health of your child far outweighs any protests he or she may make. They must understand that there is a new Sheriff in town and the "laws" have changed. Don't keep your child in the dark as to what your motives are. Learn for yourself, and then explain in terms you child can understand, the basics of sound nutrition. Explain that you learned that the old way of eating is not healthy.

2. Your child refuses to eat vegetables...he says he "hates" them. This can't possibly be true since there are literally thousands of vegetables known to man. Either your child is mimicking what he has heard others say, or, he perhaps really doesn't like the kinds of vegetables he typically is exposed to or the way they are usually prepared. This is a great time to experiment with your child. Let him or her help you find new vegetables and experiment with new ways of preparing them. (When you eat out and there is a salad bar, help him to try the various offerings, both raw and cooked. Praise him for his adventuresome spirit. It may be difficult for a while but...this too shall pass. (Don't forget to be a good role model).

3. Your child is in school or day care and you don't have control over what they eat. Well,...yes you do. You are of course at liberty to provide the snack for your child...or you can even treat the whole class to something new and fun. Also, I'll just bet you are paying the bill for your kids to attend the school, either in tuition payments or taxes. You do have a voice. Educate yourself and then pass along to the school board the unhealthy way American children are eating and the growing trend toward obesity. Make suggestions as to how the food program could be changed to include foods other than the unhealthful ones currently being provided. Talk to other parents. There are many others who share your concern. Work together to cause change.

Many Americans don't understand the seriousness of child obesity. Perhaps you could be the one in your area who is willing to work to bring about lifestyle changes to confront this threat to the good health of our kids.

Stop drinking sugary pop today! Your child be on his way to the ideal weight! If you're serious, I'll help you.

By Sue Bristol, R.N.

My eBook will lead you through the way to make it work for you, and your obese child, or spouse. Here's the "Secret Weight Loss Diet" that virtually EVERY successful dieter uses. (Whether or not they are even aware of it!)

"Click Here" to get your Free e-book, which will give you the "Weight Loss Secret" Kids shouldn't be obese.
http://www.how-to-loseweight-101.com/index1.html

Original article

Child Obesity And BMI, 4 Simple Steps To Help Him Lose Weight - Teach Him How To Diet

One-third to one-half of our children are considered overweight or obese. This is a very alarming statistic because of the implication regarding health. Children who are overweight typically have lower self-esteem than do their normal-weight peers. Further, the excess pounds may be harmful to their health now, and as adults since it has been amply demonstrated that obese children typically become obese adults.

The BMI (body mass index) is a tool commonly used in the evaluation of a child's weight by considering height and age. The BMI does not directly determine body fat but it is a reliable indicator of the likelihood of high body fat.

Once the BMI has been determined, it can be compared against norms for various age groups provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. This comparison will provide a "BMI percentile" which will place the child's weight in the range of:

• Underweight (less than 5th percentile)

• Healthy weight (5th to under 85th percentile)

• Overweight (85th to less than 95th percentile

• Obese (95th percentile and above)

If the BMI percentile indicates "Overweight" or "Obese", the physician will probably perform a more extensive exam to determine whether the BMI represents fat tissue or whether it is high because of the child's natural structural make-up. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that screening for weight issues begin at age two.

It is important that parents and guardians not make the mistake of applying data from adults to children on their own. The numbers are calculated the same way but the "rules for interpretation" are different in children. The weight and height of children is constantly changing and only a health care professional can determine whether or not the numbers are bad for your child.

If you have been told that your child is overweight or obese, there are 4 relatively simple steps you can take to help him or her back to the road of good health:

1. Provide healthy meals and snacks every day. Emphasize fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat meats and reduced-fat dairy products.

2. Eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages.

3. Minimize "screen time"...that time which your child spends in front of the computer, TV, or other electronic devices.

4. Ensure that your child gets adequate physical exercise. Most children do not. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get a minimum of 60 minutes exercise per day.

Good eating habits and adequate physical exercise are essential in order for your child to be healthy and to minimize the risk of disease and adult obesity.

Get them to stop drinking sugary pop today! That will improve BMI quickly.

By Sue Bristol, R.N.

My eBook will lead you through the way to make it work for you, and your obese child, or spouse. Here's the "Secret Weight Loss Diet" that virtually EVERY successful dieter uses. (Whether or not they are even aware of it!)

"Click Here" to get your Free e-book, which will give you the "Weight Loss Secret" Kids shouldn't be obese.
http://www.how-to-loseweight-101.com/index1.html

Original article