Childhood Obesity Prevention: 5 Ways Parents Can Enforce Healthy Eating In Children

Childhood obesity is a countrywide epidemic in the U.S. This is a growing concern in the country as obesity rates have more than doubled in the past decades, especially in children. It is imperative to start intervention early in the family because childhood obesity can cause immediate and long-term health and mental effects that could negatively affect children later in life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obese American children and adolescents have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Furthermore, these overweight kids are put at high risk for diabetes later in life.

They could also develop bone and joint issues, sleep apnea and poor body self-image. In order to combat childhood obesity, here are some ways that parents can enforce healthy eating in children.

1. Be a role model

What you eat at home can significantly affect what children will eat as well. Promote healthy eating habits by being a role model to your children: eat more vegetables and fruits, in addition to encouraging them to do the same.

Be sure to choose lean meat, fish and poultry in portion-controlled sizes so as not to go overboard on fat and calories. Provide plenty of fruit juice and let your children drink lots of water as well to help them stay away from sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, which is considered to be one of the culprits of increasing childhood obesity.

2. Avoid takeouts as much as possible

While having takeout is convenient, majority of them have excess fat and empty calories. Instead, enforce healthy cooking at home with dishes that are made from scratch.

According to Help Guide, it is a good idea to have children help in the kitchen while you're cooking so they'll know the importance of healthy eating and the dangers of childhood obesity. Even better, this helps you spend more quality time with your child.

3. Provide healthier snacks

Instead of buying commercialized snacks, make healthier ones for your kids instead. There are plenty of recipes online that are appealing and satisfying, which can offer nutrition and energy for your growing children. Giving them the occasional sweet treats help, too.

4. Encourage physical activity

The best way to encourage physical activity is to do it together as a family. Simple activities like walking, playing in the park and bike riding can immensely help. Family Doctor notes that this also limits your child's TV and computer time and a fun way to avoid childhood obesity.

5. Reward good behavior

It is always a great idea to reward children for their good behavior, especially when they've picked up healthy eating habits. However, rewarding them with food, candy, games or TV might not be a good idea.

Find other ways to truly reward their behavior instead by taking them out to the park to play or have them decide what they want to do for the weekend. Remember, rewards don't necessarily have to be material.