What Is Wrong With Children Today, In My Opinion, Part One

Many parents are already addicted to the salt, sugar, caffeine, and artificial flavors of all the prepackaged and fast foods that have flooded the general population and they in turn feed it to their children. Doing so virtually ruins any chance they have of ever enjoying the wonderful benefits and flavors of natural foods.

There was a time when parents understood that it was important to feed children real food. Today, thanks to marketing, laziness, and social brainwashing, our children are suffering. Almost from infancy, they are filled with empty, and unnecessary calories. Crying must mean hunger right? Plug up the mouth and stop the noise. Put the babies to bed sucking on a bottle, by doing this you as a parent create an emotional imprint, it becomes a form of 'self' soothing with food. It's no wonder so many people are triggered to run to food when life is unfair, or they are under stress, they have been programed from the crib. Feeding them in your arms, and then laying them down, and letting them cry a little has a different imprint. They were comforted and fed by someone. Now it is time to be alone and it is okay, any fear that may be causing distress can be soothed by remaining close to your baby. Lullabies were created for this purpose, a soft voice, a soft pat on the back, or a rub let's them know you are there. Anything, other than more food.

Candy, crackers, chips, cookies are all used to stop a child from fussing by many parents. Again, it is emotional imprinting, and it revolves around eating, only now it is also 'rewarding' unacceptable behavior with food. Unacceptable behavior should have an unpleasant consequence, not a bribe from parents. Candy, crackers, chips, cookies are also used as a reward for a job well done by many parents Why? A child should receive praise for a job well done. It really is all they want from you.

No wonder there is rampant lack of self control in children today, make no mistake here, I am not saying this is the only reason for a lack of self control.

I do find it interesting though that we never heard of ADD/ADHD or juvenile diabetes, and childhood obesity when parents did not have all the processed foods to feed the children. Sure there were always a few 'chunky' kids who were usually stuffing their faces with something, but as far as the majority of the population, kids were lean and toned and they had energy to run and play. Goodness knows that today, as a society, we can not blame the parents. No, that would be politically incorrect I'm sure. The sad truth is, and always has been that it starts at the home.

My children did not eat super sweet foods and never candy. They occasionally had chips, crackers, or cookies (always homemade with oats, fruits or nuts), as a treat/snack, not as part of the meal (or as a 'reward' if they ate). They had julienne vegetable sticks and sliced fruit with their sandwich and they ate them. Why? It is all that I would give them. This way of eating has been proven to keep blood sugar balanced and energy levels up. I knew one day they would venture into the world beyond my protection. I was IMPRINTING GOOD HABITS, and I only had a few short years to do it. People were always justifying wanting to feed the junk foods to my kids, completely dismissing the fact that my kids were not 'feeling' deprived. My kids would scrape off the frosting from birthday cakes, their choice, it was too sweet, and to them it was gross. Why? Because I stood firm in my commitment to develop in them a desire for real food, and to this day, they acknowledge how bad they feel when they make poor choices of food, and how much better they feel when they eat the way Mom fed them.

Part Two: I will address 'possible' solutions to turn kids around when it appears to be too late.

We must begin at the beginning. In the beginning was a garden and everything needed to sustain life was within the Garden. I am a grandparent, I want my children's children to know the lessons and not repeat the mistakes. I see them, I talk to them, I tell the stories.

I have a website and a new t-shirt line to help raise awareness of how critical REAL FOOD is. Your support enables a voice to be heard all across the world. http://eatingrainbows.net/eating_rainbows_t-shirts.

Original article

The Psychological Effects of Obesity and Bullying in Children

An obese child is more likely to be bullied than a normal weight child, declares Dr. Julie C. Lumeny, researcher in a 2004 study of boys and girls who fit the definition of obese, which is a category step heavier than the overweight category. She determined that it made no difference at all if an obese child was black, white or Hispanic, or male or female. Rich or poor, or A and B students alike are bullied if they are obese by 1.2 times more than normal weight kids.

We must try to have a basic understanding of what these young people have to bear in order to change this condition in homes and schools. Yes, some of the bullying comes from the home, as ignorance in parents and siblings persists.

As a result of just being obese, a child may feel depressed, anxious, socially isolated with low self-esteem and forced into functioning at a lower level. But, couple these disastrous conditions with intense emotions felt as a result of bullying of all kinds: bullying is for him/her a daily endurance of name-calling, teasing, ganging up, humiliation and ignoring. Victims without a doubt, they become perpetrators in order to defend themselves: this is one more layer of hardship for them as now they are not only offensive but defensive. They should feel safe and secure at home and in the school-yard, yet both can be battlegrounds. And sometimes, even the most dedicated of helping hands can be detrimental if they are showing, nationally, pictures of obese children with unflattering labels across their bodies.

It is not new information that overweight children are at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes, compared with normal weight children. Also easy to believe is that an overweight child advances into adulthood carrying his obesity with him. A conclusion made by a Colorado State University Extension study is: Obesity beginning before 8 years old and continuing into adulthood may be more severe than in childhood.

There have been a good number of interventions mentioned in the literature that may change the picture for obese children's lives:

Address this issue at individual and community levels.Change the negative perception of obesity by peers. Future research should evaluate ways to modify these negative behaviors.Doctors should incorporate bullying history into their regular check-up history and physical.Doctors can open the conversation by asking the child if he has been bullied at home, school or on the playground, and then following up on the information he has attained from the childRegistered Nurses can put the bullying history of the child in his chart.Doctors, Health Care Personnel, Parents, Siblings, and Teachers can be empathetic with the obese child and cease reinforcing the bad feelings.

We are a nation of fat people. Can we not stop this trend of fatness by starting with the OB nurse in the Obstetrics Ward of the Hospital? Here is an opportunity for all of us to have knowledge of what happens to our young ones as they face the world, to help them instead of hindering them. I say the OB nurse should have it in her/his teaching routine for new mothers--right at the very beginning of the lives of our babies--the mothers should be taught, along with all the other useful and necessary subjects, how not to feed their child too much or too often, that a healthy child is not necessarily a fat child. They can be taught how a healthy new baby looks and acts and what the mothers can look forward to as a future for their babies if they do not take charge in their kitchens and households to produce wonderful normal weight teenagers who walk uprightly into adulthood.

This means that you, parents, are in charge, even though you allow your children to have their say. You do the shopping, you pay for it and you have the control over who eats what! If you have a preventive way of thinking, the bad stuff never occurs and you do not have to rehabilitate it. This is one thing you cannot grow into gradually: you have to be prepared to meet it before it takes over your life.

Margaret Heaps is a native born Californian who sees life as not long enough to fit everything in. She has grass roots in Petaluma, California and Nicasio, California, where her great grandfather bought land from gold that he mined in the Gold Rush of 1848 and created a high yield dairy farm. With this background legacy, she married and raised six boys, went back to school and became a registered nurse; this was her profession for many years. Now that she has retired, her energy level still high, she has undertaken to build and market a new website:
http://bloodcirculationhealth.com/

Shop all day and all night on the internet. No hurry! We can serve you. Make the above URL work for you, and we will introduce you to a variety of physical fitness equipment at a reasonable price. See our exercise bicycles, wobble boards, punching bags for kids and adults, weight lifting iron, jumping ropes, Pilates, charts showing the muscles of the body, home gyms and much more.

Original article

Gluten Free, Dairy Free Diet for Children

A plethora of information is on the internet, in magazines, on the radio and television about whether or not gluten and dairy products play a role in autistic behavior. Neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors in the stomach correspond with those in the brain - this information leads folks to believe that some kids will benefit from the diet. Current research looks at the influence of gluten and milk proteins in the intestinal function. Gluten is a protein in wheat; casein and whey are proteins in milk. Serious evidence needs to be obtained about the diet and the effects it has on each individual child.

Each child on the Autism Spectrum has a different chemical makeup, thereby, certain foods and vitamins affect each child differently. One child may respond well to the diet's vitamins, although for another, it may increase aggressive behavior. While others see an increase, over time, it steadily decreases; others may plateau to the point of the behavior entirely diminishing. Although some children do benefit from this diet, other children have significant changes in behavior or personality, and may even gain or lose weight. If you are thinking of putting your child on a diet or on vitamin therapy, consult with a nutritionist before starting therapy.

Many children have gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and diarrhea. One of the hallmark signs of Autism is rigidity - in routines, foods, activities, and transitions. For children, having a rigid diet is one of those routines that they do not want changed. Many of them do not get the needed nutrients from a variety of foods, therefore, they are not receiving the benefits intended with a well-rounded diet. Some children will only eat salty, crunchy foods, while others will only eat foods that are red and round. Whether these problems are linked to brain development is a question that is being researched.

Children with Autism also have a flavor for objects and items that are not foods - such as chemicals - glass cleaner, dusting spray, soap, lead paint, dirt, metal, etc. Something in their body is either lacking or missing altogether, which is why the body is seeking to replace what is lost. This is similar to you craving something salty, if your body is lacking salt, then you find yourself craving products such as condiments or meats high in salt. Does the diet eliminate this craving?

Vitamin therapies include combinations of Vitamin B and magnesium as they produce improved performance and attention, and decrease bad behaviors. Dramatic improvement occurs after a child is free from chemical additives and allergenic foods eliminated from the diet. Some diets are comprised of 50-75% raw foods (not including raw meats). No junk foods, sugar or white flour products are given, and only steam -distilled water is given to drink. Choline, DMG, magnesium plus calcium, vitamin B complex plus niacinamide, B3, B5, and Vitamin C are the most important supplements to help improve brain function and circulation to the brain. DMG is an oxygen carrier to the brain, important for normal brain and nervous system function.

There are other types of cleansing and fasting diets and treatments to rid the body of chemicals, but as always, please check with your doctor before starting any diet program. Remember - your DNA is much different than your Autistic son or daughter's DNA. What may not work for them, may work for you. Do not try their drugs or supplements, in the dosages their doctors prescribe for them. You trying their therapy and drugs is NOT an indication of how well the diet will work for them.

Julie Callicutt is the owner of Ferko Therapeutic Group, a company specializing in providing intensive rehabilitation therapy to children with disabilities, specifically those on the Autism Spectrum. Julie's services include 1:1 intensive therapy, coaching/mentoring of caregivers and making herself available to speak at local and national early childhood conferences. If you would like more information, please visit, http://www.ferkotherapy.com/.

Original article

How to Get Children to Eat Healthy Food

The challenge most parents face is trying to get their children eating healthy food. The subject of healthy eating is always a battle or a struggle between parent and child, and many times both parties become upset and frustrated.

The easiest way to get children eating healthy food is to start them young. Children form their eating habits before the age of ten. As a parent, focus on these formative years, and shape their eating habits early. Always serve healthy food in your home, and pack healthy lunches and snacks for your children. When you are in someone else's home, be polite by eating their food, but teach your children how to spot healthier options, and encourage them to go for those options. While they're still very young, give them no choice and they will probably not mind at all.

Another easy way to get children eating healthy food is to get them interested in healthy foods. Do this by having a range of healthy choices in your house. If you have many different kinds of food, but all healthy, then you won't have to worry about your children making the wrong choice.

Also, introduce new foods like tofu, different fruit, and vegetables often. Consistently having a new fruit or vegetable once a week should be enough to spark your children's interest in the food groups. Play games with your children, and have fun with colorful fruit. You can make fruit men with your children, getting them interested in many fruits!

It is important to remember setting an example for your children. You may impose all these rules, but if you don't follow them yourself then your children will see that they won't have to follow them someday either. During their younger years, children want to be just like their parents. If you show them that you eat healthy and you enjoy it, they will want to do the same. Even when your children aren't around, choose the healthier option. It'll be good practice for you and good for your health too!

When taking on the healthy eating endeavor, remember to be consistent. ALWAYS eat healthy and choose the healthy option. When you go out to restaurants, choose the healthy option for your kids, and show them how to choose the healthy options. Being consistent is the key to having children that eat healthy all the time. If you eat healthy food at home, but let your children eat unhealthy choices when they're away from home, they're likely to develop a taste for food they shouldn't be eating. So be consistent and it will pay off!

Finally, talk to your children. Get them to understand why you choose and eat the foods you have at home and in restaurants. If your children are past the age of ten, call a family meeting and talk about how you can all eat healthier. If you hadn't started healthy eating habits early, make it a family endeavor and work as a team. Learn how to minimize your fast food, junk food, and microwave ready food slowly but surely. Even if you didn't start them young, healthy eating is always within your and your children's reach.

One good way to get your kids started on healthy dishes is to give them healthy snacks! There are some easy and healthy snacks you can prepare quickly, and that your kids are sure to love!

Original article

Chunky Children

The title of this article has obviously perked your interest, really, what is he going to talk about chunky children for? Because there is a huge problem with children being overweight do to poor guidance. Yes, that means adults are not properly showing their children how to eat healthy. Before I really dig into this, I want to share with you my newest and 3rd addition to the family, Ava Elisabeth!

A big issue, is when adults give in when their child whine's or cries when they do not get their way, whether for food, playing, a toy at the store, etc. A lot of parents these days give into the whining and crying because when they let their child have a pack of chicken nuggets, they stop whining. We as parents need to be Alpha to our children and not best buddies. We need to show them how to choose healthier options when they eat, because healthier options taste good too. Mac-N-Cheese is not the option they need, how about apples-N-almonds? I challenge you to spend some time looking at the foods you consume and what you and your child should and should not eat.

Another reason kids are chunky is lack of movement. And I really mean it, they love to sit around and play video games or complain during the summer that it is too hot out, and during the winter that it is too cold out. Enough, get outside with them, make it fun. Play basketball, soccer, badminton, football, have a water gun fight, a water balloon fight, a snowball fight, get creative. What happened to playing tag in the front yard, that was fun and involved a lot of running and a lot of laughing (which by the way is amazing for health)! You need to look at what your kids are doing each week, pay attention, make adjustments, and make them better at living healthy!

Quick tips:
-Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables
-Get 30 minutes of FUN exercise in 6 days a week minimum
-Get your children in bed at a descent hour so they get enough sleep
-Make sure you encourage your children to be successful, stay positive with them as much as possible
-Tell your children that you love them daily by saying, "I LOVE YOU!"
-Teach your children to be grateful and to believe in themselves

Here is to a healthy and prosperous young generation of highly successful individuals, our children!

Robert Jay Martin is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and TRX certified. Improve your level of fitness with his success, knowledge, experience, & 4 year degree. For a free workout, advice, or Health Coaching, visit his website http://www.exercisemanfitness.com/ or his blog at http://blog.exercisemanfitness.com/

Original article

Diet and Nutrition for Children

In the age of television and fast food, diet and nutrition for children seems to be severely taken for granted. We are now seeing the effects of fatty foods and a sedentary lifestyle. It is becoming more and more common to see overweight children or obese children. What was once unheard of in children is now a reality so many families live with.

Obesity Is The Biggest Risk Facing Kids Today.

Obesity or being overweight is a really serious problem, especially for young children. They lead to many unnecessary illnesses, some of which were thought to be adult illnesses only. Heart problems like heart burn or high blood pressure are now being faced by ten year olds or eleven year olds. Type 2 diabetes, often found in much older patients is something not unheard of among children below the age of ten. All because of a bad diet practices and nutrition for children.

Some of these illnesses will remain with the child for the rest of their lives, even if they are no longer overweight or obese. This is one of the reasons why proper diet and nutrition for children is so important. Parents will have to rely on their child's body still being young and be able to recover from being overweight, but it will require a drastic change in lifestyle.
No Shortcut. A Healthy Lifestyle Is The Only Way To Stop Obesity.

An overweight or obese child will have to change the type of foods they eat, as well as follow a strict exercise regimen. Eating more healthy and nutritious foods will be a big challenge for a child who is used to eating certain foods in large portions. Also, following an exercise program can be difficult to discipline a child into. For the sake of the health of the rest of their lives, however, exercise and a proper diet and nutrition for children is what is needed by those who are overweight.

One of the best ways to beat obesity is to prevent it. Beginning a healthy diet and nutrition for children from the time they are very young is one way to make sure they have a healthy eating lifestyle. Also, making rules like not being allowed to watch television and eat at the same time, or not being allowed to play computer games and eat at the same time will help.

You can do this by designating specific areas in the house where they are allowed to eat. Encouraging one hour of outside play can also help a lot. Like building an immune system to fight off disease, preventing obesity from happening in the first place can be the only answer to making sure it never happens again.

Make sure your kids are on the right diet and are getting the right nutrition by learning all about cooking healthy for kids. Recipes can be fun and easy, and you can even teach your kids!

Original article

Fighting Obesity in Adults and Children

Not only adults, but even many children in the United States are out of shape; not only that but a large percentage of even our young are struggling with obesity. I'd like to give you some smart guidelines. First of all: Eat breakfast! It's true what you heard about it being the most important meal of the day! Try to include protein (i.e. eggs), fruit, and a whole grain (i.e. whole grain waffles, cereals, or breads)...the "grainier", the better for all meals!

Try to eat some fresh veggies along with the frozen, and make sure to include some of the dark green and orange vegetables. Sometimes children only think they dislike vegetables. Ask them to eat a little of each vegetable at mealtimes; gradually they may actually start to crave particular veggies. Focus on fresh fruits. Eat them at meals and at snack time too. Get your calcium-rich foods by consuming low-fat and fat-free milk, yogurt and other milk products several times a day. Go lean with protein. Eat lean or low-fat meat, chicken, turkey, and fish. Also, add dry beans and peas when possible. For example, add chick peas, black beans, nuts, or seeds to a salad.

If you're still hungry after your first plate of food and want seconds, take more vegetables first.

Get your oil from fish, nuts, and liquids such as flax and olive oil, not heavy oils or hydrogenated oils.

Choose foods and beverages that do not have much sugar and caloric sweeteners as one of the first ingredients. Added sugars offer no benefit to foods.

Set a good example in regard to regular exercise. Be active as a family and have fun together. Play with the kids or pets outside and go for a walk, hike through the park, or play catch. Establish a routine. Set aside time each day as activity time- walk, jog, skate, cycle, or swim. Adults need at least thirty minutes of physical activity most days of the week; children need even more: sixty minutes everyday or most days.

Have an activity party. Make the next birthday party centered on physical activity instead of sitting for two hours on sofas consuming vast quantities of cake and ice cream. Try backyard Olympics or relay races. Have a bowling or skating party.

Set up a home gym. If your budget won't allow an exercise machine, use household items, such as canned foods, as weights. Stairs can substitute for stair machines. Move that body! Instead of sitting through TV commercials, get up and move around When you talk on the phone, lift weights or walk around. Remember to limit TV watching and computer time. Reward children with activities instead of food items (i.e. take them to the park for a good report card). Give gifts that encourage physical exercise!

Debra Fortosis owns a babysitter and nanny placement agency called Elite Family Care. It is headquartered in the Sarasota/Bradenton region of southwest Florida.

You may find her website at http://www.elitefamilycare.com/
If you wish to contact her, send her a message: debra@elitefamilycare.com

Original article

Overweight And Obese Children: Causes, Results, And What You Can Do To Help

Estimates of the number of children in the United States who are either overweight or obese continue on the rise. This situation is even more alarming in children than it is in adults. There is an increase in the likelihood of complications for the simple reason that the child is obese for a longer period of time than the adult.

Why are so many of our kids overweight? Several factors appear to come into play:

Causes:
low birth weightmaternal obesity during pregnancymaternal diabetes during pregnancysmoking during pregnancylimited or poor information about healthy eatingpeer pressure to indulge in high-calorie, high-fat foods and drinkspoor dietary modelinglow self-esteemsocial difficulties

Obese children are prone to physical and emotional complications:

Results:
poor muscle and bone developmentsleep disturbances, such as sleep apneapre-diabetic insulin resistancehigh cholesterol and triglyceridespredisposition to chronic diseases as adults

Of significance is the fact that the longer a child is allowed to remain obese, the greater the likelihood of lifetime obesity. It is crucial that steps be taken as early as possible to intervene in the dietary habits of children.

What You Can Do:

It's not so "simple" however as putting the child on a diet. The child is still growing in terms of physical and neurological development.

One must be careful in interfering with metabolism unless there is a sound scientific foundation underlying all decisions pertaining to the food intake. The physician must be consulted so a plan may be constructed which will help the child to lose weight without compromising health.

While it is essential that "no harm be done", it will not hurt the child to begin a pattern of healthy eating (most likely the entire family will benefit from a new food lifestyle). No harm will come to the child from the following measures:

• three regular meals per day supplemented with healthful midmorning and mid-afternoon snacks (fruit, vegetables, nuts, reduced fat cheese, milk, whole wheat breads and cereals)
• a meal plate that is one-half fruits and vegetables, one-fourth protein, and one-fourth whole grain pasta or bread. (No second helpings please)
• elimination of sugar-sweetened beverages of all kind
• no "multi-tasking" while eating (computer, video, TV, texting).

And, get the child moving... games, sports, walking or any other moderate activity that will burn calories and rev up the metabolism

The first goal in helping the child to lose weight is to stop the gain. If the child doesn't gain one pound, you should look at that as weight loss of a pound.

Seek the assistance of your physician or call the local hospital to inquire about meeting with the dietitian. Ask if the hospital sponsors weight loss seminars.

Help overweight kids lose weight and gain self concept. My e-book will lead you through the way to make it work for you, and your obese child.
by Sue Bristol, R.N.

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

What And Who Is To Blame For Obesity In Children?

It is hard to believe, but in the course of forty years, The Pyramid Diet has been unmasked, exposed, discredited and buried, in this writer's recollection, at least 4 times. That's an average of once a decade. The people who advocate The Pyramid Diet, and endorse it, should be sued for endangering and damaging public health.

The Pyramid Diet is about politics, not science and it is certainly not about public health. This is how it works. A regular campaign, around once a decade, is initiated by grain producers and diet food manufacturers. They are followed by Nutritionists, diet Gurus and other opportunists. They make a well planned onslaught on the government and the public to coerce them to endorse and enforce the Pyramid Diet.

Suddenly The Pyramid Diet is rediscovered. It is resurrected from the depth of the abyss where those of us who remember the last burial, had hoped it would remain forever. It is dusted off, cleaned and polished. The old big glossy poster is reproduced and The Pyramid Diet is relaunched. The turnaround usually takes around a decade. That is a short enough time, for people to remember the name and the poster. But long enough for them to forget why it was so unceremoniously dumped a decade earlier.

Why does this keep happening? The relaunch of the Pyramid Diet, always precedes a massive increase in grain, and manufactured food consumption. What is less noticeable and rarely reported, is a new, sudden increase in obesity statistics and type2 diabetes. To that we can add an increase in heart disease, colon and bowel cancers. In other words: This is not about us, the people. It is not about ours, or our children's health. It is all about money and support for industry.

What is so disastrous about The Pyramid Diet? It is virtually a carbohydrate diet and that means an extremely low protein diet. Protein is the stuff that grows and mends our skin, bones, muscles, tissue and internal organs. Human beings simply cannot exist without protein. It is critical for the normal, healthy growth of our children. We do not see obesity in children who get plenty of protein. The result of a lack of protein in our children can be seen in the average school yard. More and more children are becoming obese.

What is carbohydrate and why is it so bad? In fact, carbohydrates are not good, or bad. They are just not a necessity for human life. Throughout history, there have been many extended periods and seasons when people had to live without carbohydrates. Every carbohydrate we eat is converted to glucose. Glucose is liquid sugar. It is the fuel our body likes to burn when we use energy. In other words, once inside our body, all carbohydrates become equal and the same.

To add a health value to liquid sugar is ridiculous, under any circumstances. To advise people to feed their children on a carbohydrate diet is not only irresponsible, it should be illegal. A carbohydrate diet does not only cause obesity in children, it will shorten their lives.

What happens if our body runs out of carbohydrates to turn into glucose? It will simply use your fat and protein to convert to glucose. We have seen that happen many times. Our body can only burn the fuel it requires the moment we need to use some energy. The body cannot store glucose. If we don't immediately use it for energy, our body has no choice but to store it as body fat.

Body fat has nothing to do with the fat we eat. It is fat manufactured by our body from the carbohydrates we eat. Body fat is the fat that sticks to our tummy, hips and thighs. It clogs our arteries and nestles around our vital organs.

Carbohydrates cause obesity, heart disease, colon and bowel cancer. Obesity also leads to type2 diabetes. Our so called diet 'experts' are slowly killing us and they are depriving our children of a healthy future.

A relaunch of The Pyramid Diet doesn't last forever. Over time, old evidence begins to resurface. The promoters have had their feast and they begin to worry about ramifications and governments are warned of potential voter dissatisfaction. But the damage doesn't stop there. It takes at least a decade to re-educate the public. By that time, The Pyramid Diet wheel of disaster is primed to roll again!

My name is Kirsten plotkin. I am a writer and author of two books about the real reason we have an obesity epidemic today. Watch this video and learn the truth about obesity.

The Carbohydrate Addicts Manual

Kirsten Plotkin
Goldcoast, Queensland, Australia,
+617 5593 6363

Find me on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/healthylifestylenews?sk=app_13684106971427

Original article

One Of Three Children Is Overweight! And YOU Must Learn What To Do About It - I'll Teach You How

Government statistics tell us that at least one out of every three children in the United States today is overweight. That is astonishing and very alarming! Obesity is deadly wherever it occurs... children or adults. Your child desperately needs your help. Guiding him or her to effective weight management is a gift you can give that will last a lifetime.

The good news is this: it's really not as difficult to lose weight and to maintain that loss as we've been led to believe. For most people struggling with weight issues, the problem has been one of misinformation. We don't have the proper tools for weight loss available to us for two reasons: First, we live in a capitalistic society. Many entrepreneurs (and just regular folks) are trying to make a living by supporting certain products. When the product sells, they make a bit of money. That's not a bad thing... most sellers don't intend to give you misleading information. It's simply a fact that contrived diets are really hard to maintain.

Secondly, it takes some time to test a product. After a few years, most "diets" are found to be ineffective and they are replaced by newer and better methods. This is why fad diets are called fad diets. They're popular for a bit, we find out they don't work, and then we toss them out the window and we are in hot pursuit of something better.

Well, there's some really good news for you and for your children. There is a simple and straight-forward way to lose weight and keep it off and that is... (drumroll please)... to change your eating habits!

- We don't need to eat grapefruit or eggs or oatmeal or bananas or any other food item to the exclusion of others.
- We don't need to eliminate entire food groups.
- We don't need programs, pills, or potions.
- We simply need to eat in the way our bodies are designed to eat and to consume the foods that were designed to feed us!

It's that simple and it works for anyone... adult, child, either sex.

Here are six tips to get you started in weight loss:

1. Begin today to reduce, by at least one-third, everything that goes into your mouth. If you're eating out, request a take-home box to be brought at the same time your food is delivered. Cut it into halves... eat half and box half. You'll enjoy it tomorrow.

(Most restaurant wait-staff will happily do that for you if you ask).

2. Throw out all beverages that have been sweetened by sugar. You don't need "empty calories" (that is, they offer nothing of any value... they only add calories).

3. Stop placing bowls and platters on the table, "family-style". Rather, dish the plates up at the stove or countertop. No second helpings either. You will have plenty of food on your plate.

4. Eat slowly. It takes 20 to 30 minutes for the brain to register fullness. If you eat too fast, you will be consuming more food than you need to be satisfied.

5. Learn to read labels on food items. How many calories are you buying into with that single cookie? Is it worth it? When you look for calories on the label, check how many servings are supposed to be in that one item. You might be surprised. The calorie count is for each serving... not the whole cookie.

6. Incorporate at least modest exercise into your life. Walking is an excellent way to burn calories. Use stairs rather than the elevator whenever you can. Think motion! Move around your home or workplace whenever you can. Use the restroom on another floor and take the stairs to get there. Don't stay in the same position for more than 2 hours at a time. Your metabolism slows and your joints get stiff.

Eating the natural way will become a habit for you and your children. You can get that weight off and you can keep it off!

One of three kids is overweight! That's almost unbelievable. Responsible parents want the solution.
My e-book will lead you through the way to make it work for you and your overweight child.
by Sue Bristol, R.N.

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"
http://www.how-to-loseweight-101.com/index1.html

Original article

Children's Health - The Importance of Exercise For Children

Why is it important for children to do cardio exercises? Because researchers have discovered that just twenty minutes of doing things like jumping, hopping, or even having an old-fashioned wheel barrow race works the musculoskeletal system enough to improve strength by as much as 75%! The more muscle mass kids have the higher their metabolism, which means strength training has the extra benefit of keeping weight in check. There are three elements essential to optimal physical fitness: endurance, strength and flexibility. Pull-ups and other exercises help tone and strengthen muscles while building flexibility. When kids use activities like climbing they are also developing strength and balance. Reaching and stretching are also activities that develop flexibility. Endurance comes through active play or aerobic activity. Getting stronger and improving ability to accomplish more physical activities helps preschoolers and kindergartners gain confidence and increase feelings of self worth.

All exercise that gets the heart pumping counts as a cardio workout - here's a list to help you and your children get started:

1. Skipping rope - it burns more calories per minute than almost any other type of aerobic exercise.

2. Running around - playing with the dog or running from the bottom of a slide back to the top are great ways to get little hearts pumping (works for mom or dad too!)

3. Swimming in a pool - exercise in water adds up to 12 times the resistance to the movement process plus swimming builds endurance and strength.

4. Jumping in a bouncy house - just sounds like lots of fun but it also provides great aerobic exercise while helping improve balance and coordination.

5. Climbing and swinging - builds muscle strength and coordination and hanging by one's knees is a terrific way to get a new look at the world.

Healthy eating choices are an important part of any get fit program. Be sure to make part of the program family meals. Sitting down for family dinner is not just good for you because you are consuming more vegetables and vitamins. A growing body of research shows that sitting down together for dinner on a regular basis not only teaches kids how to develop healthy eating habits, it may also make for happier children who are less apt to smoke, drink, do drugs or get into extreme weight control activities.

Getting started is the hardest part of any change in lifestyle but if parents and children take part in activities everyone can enjoy - biking, skating, swimming - it all get easier after that. Keep everyone challenged by stepping up the routine difficulty level. As the body becomes used to doing similar exercise activities over and over, they get easier to do so the body isn't working as hard. The result is that you expend less energy and slow down weight loss or muscle building. Vary the routine to see your body respond to the challenge and keep progressing. We know that it isn't easy to encourage healthier living today but instilling good heart-healthy habits lessens your kids' risk of developing grown-up type health issues at an early age.

Thanks for reading my article - my name is Christine Bender and I am the owner and operator of the website http://www.safetyswimandplay.com/ where we sell plastic play sets and swimming pool platforms, small and large, designed for toddlers and children under 5 years of age. You can find a play set that can be configured to fit into any available space in a bedroom, basement, or backyard which will offer endless variation of activities to give kids an active and exciting home play area. Ensuring the safety of children at the same time they are having fun and adventure is our ultimate goal. We want to see healthy, smiling kids with rosy cheeks laughing out loud while they're developing their muscles and coordination.

Original article

How to Help Overweight Children Lose Weight and Gain Weight Control

Children, despite trying to hide their true feelings, suffer when they are fat. Some children successfully overcome negative feelings and handle their obesity in childhood, but they are a small minority who have overcome their negative attitude while remaining overweight.

Depression, anxiety, feelings of emptiness, low self-esteem and fear of rejection are common among overweight children. Such symptoms often intensify overeating and a vicious cycle develops.

Is compulsive overeating an addiction similar to addiction to alcohol, hard drugs and tobacco? There are similarities in its ability to increase pleasure in part by stimulating the pleasure centers of the brain. It is important to understand what impact this has on a child's ability to diet and gain weight control. Certainly anything that is repeated enough will initially become a habit. Over time, if repeated sufficiently, it acts like an addiction.

Although children follow similar patterns as adults there are some distinctive differences. Children are apt to mimic overweight parents. They use overeating to punish parents, or to overcome feeling depressed, anxious, unloved or rejected. A connection between food filling an empty stomach and improvement in mood is established. The next time it occurs and food again rewards the eater a pattern has started. It doesn't take long to establish a belief that food counters painful symptoms and compulsive eating begins. Once that belief becomes engrained to all intents that child has become an eating addict.

Like any addiction it will require motivation, persistence and a strong belief in wanting to overcome compulsive eating. Even for adults this task can be formidable. Most diets work for a while but not for long because the overeater has not changed his essential attitude about eating. Here is where the parents input is essential. They must guide, reassure the child as it pursues weight control. Above all it must make certain that there are no obstacles in the child following a reasonable diet.

Overweight children must overcome the belief that being overweight is an antidote to unhappiness, feeling unloved and overcoming emptiness. A child must learn that eating should be enjoyed but the essential reason to eat is to maintain health.

Instead of more pyramids, diet programs and conflicts about selecting the best diet, the emphasis must be on changing the beliefs that children have. They don't need to hear the theory of dieting, rather the emphasis is on that they are loved and helping overcome compulsive eating is healthy and should make them feel good.

Although love is the primary element in guiding them, the child should not believe that the failure to lose weight leads to not being loved. The belief that food is love or you eat because it makes you feel good or you eat because you love food needs to be changed. In its place good health must be primary and the pleasures in eating become secondary in your beliefs.

Every overweight child can learn to lose weight but the effort must start with his deep desire to become healthy and weight loss is one of the elements to make that happen. Children want to lose weight and look better. They will become happier and more self-directed as this control develops.

By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

November 17, 2011

My book "The Psychiatrist's Diet" contains an easy-to-use diet plan that is effective, doesn't require any special foods and works for any age. The diet is easily explained to children. The mental imagery exercises that can enhance weight control are often seen as fun games by many children who try them as part of their diet.

Visit http://www.drmarvinberenson.com/ to review "The Psychiatrist's Diet" and sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson's highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.

Original article

Foods to Keep Away From Children to Prevent Weight Gain

I am writing this article to hopefully enlighten you as to the dangers involving our modern life-style and how we are contributing to these dangers merely by eating the wrong foods.

I cringe at the thought that from the moment our children get their teeth, we begin to feed them ham, bacon, bologna, sausages and a variety of other processed meats which are loaded with nitrites among other things! to enhance their color and extend their shelve life.

As our children grow, we continue our contribution by adding other processed foods, such as our very famous Hot Dogs which also have nitrite in them. Now, did you know that nitrite is a chemical that is not eliminated by our system and that together with other chemicals that we consume can turn into a carcinogenic substance?

This is no laughing matter. Think back to 30 or 40 years ago, the number of people with cancer and especially children was much lower than it is today. How many times and hospitals do you see on your TV calling for our help to support them in order to fight cancer in our children? Just how do you suppose they got there? What was the cause? Yes, sometimes and some people develop an illness without apparent rhyme or reason, but those are only the exceptions that prove the rule.

Just think, the more processed meats we eat which are loaded with, not only nitrites, but saturated fat or other chemicals are increasing our risk and percentages to developing colon rectal cancer. Approximately 143,000 Americans are diagnosed with this type of cancer a year and more than 50,000 die of the disease.

Have you taken the time to read all the words in the ingredients portion of the foods or meats that you pick up at the market? Words you can't pronounce much less know what they represent?

Parents, not only are we obligated to protect our children, but we are also obligated to protect ourselves, because our children need us in their lives. Think, a National Institute of Health-American Association of Retired Persons and Health Study found that every 10 grams of processed meats increased our risk of prostate cancer by 10 percent.

Other studies have linked these same products to ovarian cancer and leukemia. Studies have not been able to determine why these processed meats endanger our health, but most likely it is all the chemicals manufacturers put in them to preserve them.

Also, I wish to add that approximately 70,000 industrial chemicals may be found in everyday products and 1000 new ones are introduced each year, but only a fraction of these have been tested for safety in humans.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American may be carrying approximately 700 industrial chemicals in their bodies.

Centers for Disease Control report released the results from the screenings of 2500 Americans for 148 industrial chemicals. The shocking findings revealed, that significant quantities of these chemicals were found in the bloodstreams of EVERY individual who was tested!

Remember that in the process of all of the above, you liver is serving as the defender against all the chemical agents we are consuming and while doing it, it also suffers the consequences. We must eat healthier and stop feeding our children so much of our not so healthy Western-Diet.

I hope this article contributes to our good health.

Gladys Alvarez has spent over forty five years working in different Medical Fields to include Surgical Oncology, Research on Aids at one of our most prestigious universities as well as has been a correspondent who has traveled extensively around the world studying different lifestyles, cultures and their nutritional habits because she is committed to educate the consumer as to the benefits of living a happy, healthy lifestyle through fitness and weight loss. If you have found this article helpful, please visit my website at http://www.drkool.com/ TODAY!

(c) Copyright - Gladys Alvarez. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Original article

Children, Diets and Medications

I had a patient come to me recently for advice on her 8 year old daughter, who had been diagnosed with acid reflux and put on a strong regimen of prescription medications by her pediatrician. Additionally, her teacher suggested that she may have a hyperactivity problem and be "attention deficit". Today, parents are being hoodwinked into the mainstream thinking that their kids could benefit from medications.

In fact, a recent study done by Medco Health Solutions revealed that 1 in 4 insured children in the U.S. are taking prescription medication for a chronic health problem! For kids 10-19, the figure goes up even higher to 30%.

Some other staggering facts:

- girls aged 10-19 taking medications for type 2 diabetes has increased 200% since 2001
- medications for acid reflux and heartburn has jumped 147% since 2001 for adolescents.
- asthma and allergy medications have tripled in usage for kids 6-18

But if those numbers do not concern you too much, more than likely these will: In the year 2007 alone, half a million children and teenagers were given at least one prescription for an antipsychotic drug! This includes approximately 20,000 kids under the age of 6! These drugs are being handed out for symptoms of depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorder. These same drugs are given to adults for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Some common side effects with these types of medications include drowsiness, fatigue, increased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting, coughing, fever, tremors, dizziness and urinary incontinence.

And you wonder why you have gone through 15 different babysitters in the past year!

On a more serious note, major side effects from these medications include permanent muscle tics, hormone disruption, high blood sugar leading to diabetes and sometimes even death.

As a parent or guardian, it's important to realize that the leading diseases today are diet related, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and yes, even cancer. To take a prescription medication for a lifestyle related condition can turn disastrous--it is not going to help your child in the long run and probably going to lead to harmful side effects.

So other than being a healthy role model for your child, what else can you possibly do? Here are a few starting tips:

- Start with breastfeeding (if applicable, of course) and avoid baby formulas as much as possible, especially soy formulas.

- Take a close look at your child's diet: Avoiding sugar and pasteurized dairy are great starts

- Get your child active. Get them outside at least 30 minutes per day for some form of exercise

- Toss out the electronics! That's right, I said it! Okay, let's be realistic... how about limiting computer, TV and video game use to only 1-2 hours per week. It CAN be done. 30 % of US children are considered overweight!

- Research vaccinations: Very sensitive topic but please do your due diligence on this.

- Avoid antibiotics and over-the-counter medications: Usually riddled with chemicals and toxins, your child's immune system needs to develop properly and treating a fever with this junk just suppresses the normal functioning immunity. The only time it may be needed is if a fever reaches 104 degrees or higher.

Don't follow this disturbing trend if your child's doctor is recommending a medication. Do the proper research and arm yourself with the proper questions before you take part in this. If your child is already on a medication, then you owe it to yourself and your child to take the proper steps in guiding them to live a natural lifestyle and not become dependent on any medication.

Original article

How To Lose Weight For Children - Kids Must Be Taught How To Diet Correctly

We've heard the dismal statistics...many of our kids are overweight and there is no sign of the trend reversing itself soon. This is alarming for three reasons:

1. Childhood and adolescence are times when the body is growing and developing. It is critical that proper nutrition be provided.

2. Children need a healthy balance between physical activity and food intake. As weight increases, the child is less likely to achieve this balance on an ongoing basis.

3. The overweight child is at increased risk for developing weight related problems in adulthood.

Most children will not learn good nutritional habits on their own. Hours in front of the TV or computer expose them to endless commercials for the latest and greatest (and unhealthful) foods. The kids believe that these high-fat, high-sodium, high-calorie foods are good for them. The adults in their lives need to teach, and model, the proper way to eat.

What can you do? First, learn the basics of healthful, eating for yourself...and then show the rest of the family how to manage nutrition and weight for a lifetime.

• Eat at home whenever you can. (Cook extra on the weekends and use the slow cooker during the week.)

• Reduce portion sizes. Ask your child's doctor to tell you the number of calories to aim for and reduce serving sizes as needed.

• Eliminate all sugar-sweetened beverages. (Sodas and other drinks with sugar can add 10-15 pounds of weight in a year.)

• Use smaller bowls and plates. This step gives the illusion of a larger amount of food and is thus more satisfying.

• Eat slowly. Give time to the brain to signal that you are full.

• Eat only when hungry.

• No "mindless eating"; that is, eating while watching TV, working on the computer, viewing a movie, reading. When you eat, eat. If your child wails that he is starving, offer him food if he turns the TV off and sits at the table. (Let's see how "starving" he really is.)

• Serve food dished up in plates...no bowls and platters on the table.

• No second servings.

• Three meals with healthful, in between snacks.

• Fill half of the plate with fruits and vegetables. The remaining half is divided between protein and grains (preferably whole grains).

• Children need a minimum of one hour of activity per day...walk, run, jump, play tag, bike, sports...balancing activity against food intake is crucial for the maintenance of healthy weight.

• Get your child involved in a community or school based sports team. (In addition to healthy weight control, he or she will learn the fundamentals of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.)

We address our children's educational needs, immunizations, check-ups, homework, schedule, bedtime...and most other aspects of their lives. Teaching principles of nutrition will equip your child for effective weight management for a lifetime.

Stop drinking sugary pop today! You will 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

Obesity In Children, Elderly, And Those In-Between Too, Occurs Because We Don't Know How To Diet

Obesity is a national problem. Some studies indicate that two-thirds of adults and more than one-third of children are overweight. The health consequences of excess weight are serious and far-reaching.

Obesity in children and in the elderly require special consideration because both groups have needs that are different from young or middle-aged adults.

Children are at risk of developing chronic conditions related to obesity (especially high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes). However, children also have an increased risk of developing these conditions and others (arthritis, heart disease) once they have reached adulthood because of the length of time their bodies have been carrying extra weight.

Most children are at peril for becoming overweight simply because of the time in which they live. The twenty-first century is characterized by high stress and busy schedules. Food needs are often met at fast food restaurants where the menu is likely to be high fat, high sodium, and high sugar. In addition, again because of busy schedules on the parts of children as well as adults, exercise and physical activity are usually the first things to be "thrown under the bus".

Certain conditions make a child more likely to become obese than peers. For example, low birth weight, obesity or diabetes in the mother, and maternal smoking during pregnancy. Girls after puberty are particularly prone to storage of fat and subsequent obesity.

Children who are obese are at risk of developing psychological problems. Depression, low self-esteem, poor self- image, anxiety, and social maladjustment are more frequent among children who are overweight than among their thinner peers. Obese children likely to become obese adolescents and then, obese adults. Behavioral therapy may be needed if dietary management is not adequate. Parents can check with the school and community because many programs are available for little or no cost.

The elderly also constitute a group which require particular attention to weight control. As the body ages, muscle is lost and fat is particularly likely to accumulate around the abdomen because of hormonal changes and inactivity.

Accumulation of fat around the abdomen is particularly alarming because it is often a predictor of other diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease as well.

Most communities or public facilities for the aged can refer caregivers to programs which aid in appropriate nutrition and exercise programs geared toward the elderly. The maintenance of healthy weight and general fitness contribute to the quality of life for seniors and those who are responsible for their care.

Get them to stop drinking sugary pop today! Your child be on his way to the ideal weight!

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

How To Lose Weight For Children: Do You Know How To Diet Correctly? Will You Teach Your Kids?

Our children are overweight and statistics show there is no indication of a reversal of this trend on the horizon. The number of children who are overweight has doubled over the past three decades. Further, the situation is in danger of becoming worse because many of the habits which are contributing to childhood obesity are becoming a more pronounced in the lifestyle of many of our kids.

In view of these trends, the American Academy of Pediatricians is proposing a change in the types of commercials that are shown on TV and other media outlets during programs that are geared toward children. They point to two negative effects of advertising of junk food as it is currently presented:

1. The use of electronic devices by our children for entertainment and study exposes them to thousands of ads for junk foods every year. The ads for these food items are often promoted by popular appearing, attractive, and well dressed youngsters in settings that imply that this is what the "cool kids" are eating. One study found that 98% of the commercials children see during top-rated programs are for junk food.

2. The ever-increasing hours that children are using electronic devices makes them susceptible to overweight because they are "using the computer" (or whatever) instead of engaging in physical exercise.

Statistics indicate that children spend an average of seven hours per day using one kind of electronic device or another...TV, computer, cell phone, games, texting. This has several potential "side effects":

• Overexposure to fat and sugar-laden, unhealthful snacks

• Excessive snacking (mindless eating)

• Munching on the wrong kinds of foods

• Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages

Pediatricians recommend that parents who are worried about their child's weight consider the effect of excessive "screen time". If children have a TV or internet connection in their room they are especially prone to inadequate physical exercise, excessive food consumption, and consequent obesity. In fact, the risk of becoming overweight is several times greater for the child who watches five hours of TV per day compared to those who have less than two hours of daily screen time.

Parents need to be in charge of what goes on in their homes. Child psychologists recommend the following approaches:

• Watch programs with your children and comment as you see fit.

• No TV, computer, or cell phone usage during family meals and during study time. (If they claim the computer is needed for homework, monitor them.)

• Investigate the programs your child is watching for age-appropriateness. (They can watch the same things during the day that you have the option to watch after hours.)

• Determine how much screen time your child will have in a day. Allow him to have input into which programs and times that will include. You make the final decision.

You wouldn't neglect your child's immunization schedule or his teeth. Don't turn a blind eye to this significant factor affecting his or her weight either.

Stop drinking sugary pop today! Your child be on his way to the ideal weight!

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

Why Children Really Need To Exercise

However obesity isn't the only reason children need to exercise. For starters children and movement are made for each other. From the time children first learn to crawl they seem to have an internal drive for movement. This may be because exercise not only develops children's bodies but also their minds and social skills as well.

Studies have shown that children who get ample exercise learn better. Moderate to high levels of exercise improve oxygen output to the brain making it easier to concentrate for longer periods of time. These improved cognitive skills help children succeed better in school.

Keep in mind that exercise for children should be fun and parents should both play active games with their kids and provide them with a means for active solitary play. Making exercise fun for your kids will not only keep them healthy but, can create some wonderful memories. Turning on the music and dancing with your children will not only allow them to exercise a variety of muscles but, will create an opportunity for the entire family to have a good time.

Supplying your children with jump ropes, pogo sticks, hula hoops, and a variety of inexpensive toys that encourage activity will not only encourage them to play actively but, will increase their enjoyment. Family hiking trips to nature preserves or spending the day at the local pool or beach swimming will also help to keep not just the kids moving but, you as well.

Keep in mind that children have a natural inclination to run, jump and play but, they also imitate much of their behavior after what they see their parents do. If you include exercise as part of your normal daily routine then the chances are good your children will too.

As children grow older sports and other activities can help them keep exercise as part of their normal routine so you should encourage their participation in activities that fit their interest. For some that may be organized sports such as football or baseball, some children will prefer to cheer lead, swim or become a member of the marching band. As long as they choose at least one or two activities that keep their bodies moving then all should be well.

If your child shows no interest in school sports then perhaps they may be more interested in dance or gymnastics. If not then at least encourage them to play volleyball or badminton or go on hiking excursions with the family. While you can't make your child exercise you can present them with many opportunities to do so.

Just remember an active family will help to keep your kids motivated and active as well. And keeping active will help your child live a happier, healthier and longer life.

Paul Koks is a passionate runner from The Netherlands and owner of Marathon-training-tips.com that provides a diversity of marathon training and running tips for runners of all levels. One part of the website is devoted to the phenomenon of children running.

Original article

Who Is Responsible for Obesity in Children?

Most parents worry about the spread of obesity in children. They listen to advice and pay close attention to the food they give their children. But what if they were to learn that the diet advice they have been getting for the past four decades, is wrong.

What's worse, the advice is responsible for obesity in children as well as adults. The diets people trust and encourage their family to use, have never been scientifically tested to prove they are safe for adults, let alone children.

Till forty years ago we didn't diet. We didn't need to, the vast majority of people were slim. Then, in the seventies, when everyone became an expert on something, some people decided they wanted a niche on the fringe of medicine. They called themselves Nutritionists, dietitians and diet guru's.

For forty years, these people have offered us literally thousands of diets. Not a single one has been tested to prove it works. Diets have never undergone genuine scientific research. No human trials have been conducted to test the validity of the claims. Not one single diet has been researched and trialed to prove it is safe for human consumption.

The first diet was called 'The Pyramid Diet. It was an exact reversal of our traditional diet. It doesn't take an Einstein to work out that such a change was more than a shock to the body. A shock it still hasn't learned to get over. Evolution takes centuries, not four decades.

Every diet promoted during the past forty years has been a variation on the Pyramid Diet, and eventually, everyone of them has been discredited. But not before hundreds of thousands of people have used them and suffered the consequences. The fact is, we are not designed to diet. Our body doesn't understand the food we eat.

When we cut down on food our body has a programmed response. It's called Famine! That means our brain signals our metabolism to slow down to allow us to conserve fat. When the famine is over, the body is programmed to go into overdrive to recover every ounce of weight we have lost. It will even add a little extra fat to protect us against the next famine.

How do we change that? We don't, because we can't, it's nature. What we can do is learn to work with our body instead of against it. We need to feed our body the kind of food it evolved with. Not the kind of food that is manufactured and processed in plants across the nation.

Bad diets, with the wrong food, recommended by pseudo experts have turned perfectly slim, healthy people into fat victims of food addiction. Children eat what the adults eat. If mom is addicted, chances are the children are too.

It is still possible to get back to where we were, but not until the people who make the decisions, get enough pressure from the rest of us, to take action and do something about it. Until then, we each have to concentrate on fixing our own family. Part of that is to learn to ignore advice about food that sounds good, but has no proven benefit. We are human beings - not Rabbits.

To avoid obesity in children, we owe it to them to educate ourselves about the food nature designed our body to digest. And to stop listening to people who spout nineteen seventieth fad nonsense. I know that's not easy. These people have had forty years to establish their base of authority. But that authority sits on a fragile mount of sand.

Get the facts, because with the facts you will see right though that nonsense and you will know what to do. Obesity in children is not preordained. It's simply caused by yet another ill advised human intervention.

I know that any thought of changing your food is difficult to think about. But that's your addiction thinking for you. Once the addiction is gone so are the cravings, the binges the inappropriate hunger pains. You'll be free from constant thoughts of food. Remember - so will your children. Do it for them!

If you choose not to act, your children will grow up in a world with an even greater numbers of people who suffer weight problems, obesity, heart disease and type2 diabetes. Statistics suggest the numbers will be 80% of the population by 2020. If you don't act, your children and their children are likely to become part of those statistics.

My name is Kirsten plotkin. I am a writer and author of two books about the real reason we have an obesity epidemic today.
Watch this video and learn the truth about obesity.
The Carbohydrate Addicts Manual

Kirsten Plotkin
Goldcoast, Queensland, Australia
+617 5593 6363

Find me on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/healthylifestylenews?sk=app_13684106971427

Original article