Every parent wants their children to grow healthy and happy, but how would they know that their children are? Being fat may be common among kids because they like eating sweet and sugary foods. It is okay to be fat, but not obese.
Childhood obesity is now considered a problem for many children. According to Kids Health, one third of children ages two to 19 are obese. This is a medical condition that should be taken seriously because young obese kids nowadays are already developing different kinds of health problems.
Parents should not wait for their kids to develop such health issues so here are some tips for parents to control their child's diet.
- Children's appetite
Enough is enough. If a child can't finish their meal, you don't have to force them. In a post by Dairygoodness, children have the ability to know if they still hungry or full. If they eat more than their body needs, there is a chance that they can grow obese.
- Foods with too much sugar
Our body needs sugar to survive. Sugar is converted by our body to energy, which is why it is very essential in our daily diet.
However, if taken more than what the body requires, the liver will convert the sugar into fatty acids. This will then be distributed to the whole body as fat deposits. This applies to children as well.
- Choose the right foods for your children
Good tasting foods are very appealing to children, but as a parent, you must think of the health benefits they get in what they eat.
Children also need a balance diet to grow physically and mentally healthy. Fiber rich foods like cereals are a good option. It's not bad to let them eat ice cream, cakes, jelly, and other sweet foods, but just in moderate amounts.
- Involvement in physical sports
Even at early age your kids should sweat out in whatever way they can. Playing, running, jumping are a good form of exercise for kids. In this way, they are able to burn excess calories that will keep their body healthy and fit. It would be best if they engage in some kind of physical sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball or any sport as long as they can sweat out.
