With the holiday season comes the holiday treats and children are likely to indulge in foods that are either filled with sugar or fat. But parents hold the key to ensuring that the kids can still enjoy the food fare with a healthy diet. Regardless of the season, parents should be conscious of childhood obesity prevention.
Dr. Dyan Hes of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York provides a few tips on how parents can encourage healthy eating for the holidays to curb childhood obesity. "I believe in moderation, not stringent restriction which can create an unhealthy relationship with food," Hes said, according to Housewives In The City.
Hes isn't a fan of desserts but she also doesn't suggest depriving the children from this. "Instead, limit how much your child consumes," she said.
To do this, parents should teach their kids about portion control and limitations, especially when picking out desserts. Hes believes that denying the child the sweet treats will only have the child craving for it. So, give the child the freedom to choose the desserts, but allow for only a small portion.
If the child enjoys a warm cup of chocolate milk - a holiday staple - keep an eye on how many cups he has consumed. If he's into it a lot, Hes suggests giving low-sugar instant mixes to cut down on the sugar intake.
Healthy food changes (and recipes) for the holiday season https://t.co/1YHptMxKOA pic.twitter.com/WkUUUAxLYT
— Cleveland HeartLab (@CLEHeartLab) December 3, 2016
As with anything, children follow what they see from their parents so the adults must lead by example when it comes to avoiding gorging on holiday food. This might also be the right time to initiate new holiday traditions centering on eating healthy as a childhood obesity prevention measure. Parents can prepare a new Christmas menu that includes smart substitutions of food ingredients, as recommended by the American Heart Association.
Lastly, the holidays is not just about eating. Parents must also prepare for other stimulating activities for Christmas. Perhaps after having a feast, the whole family can enjoy a walk around the neighborhood to observe other houses' decorations together. The walk will help burn calories and keep children occupied as well.
Do you have any other tips for a healthier holiday? Sound off in the comments below!
