Fun Ways to help Prevent Childhood Obesity:
1. Educate yourself and your children
2. Suggest playing a sport to your child
3. Eat a balanced meal each day consisting of the major food groups.
4. Limit computer, social media, and video game time
5. Cook healthy meals with your child
It is important, especially for children, to find fun ways to be healthy. If the activity is more enjoyable, it is more likely that the child will be willing to partake in it, and stick with it. It is also vital that the adults in children’s’ lives set the right example, whether it is eating healthy foods or engaging in consistent physical activity. According to the National Institute of Health, limiting your child’s television time and not allowing them to view television as they eat are two behaviors shown to help prevent obesity in children (2016). Providing positive reinforcement for good, (or in this case healthy), behaviors can be very beneficial. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, providing a large variety of vegetable, fruit, and whole grain options for your child is conducive in preventing childhood obesity. Another great tip is to serve reasonably sized portions.
Pandita, A., Sharma, D., Pandita, D., Pawar, S., Tariq, M., Kaul, A. (2016). Childhood obesity: prevention is better than a cure. National Institute of Health, 9(1), 83-89. 10.2147/DMSO.S90783
Tips for Parents – Ideas to Help Children Maintain a Healthy Weight.