Have you noticed additional pounds creeping up on your child? Childhood obesity is a major health problem and preventing it before it starts is ideal. If you child has added a few extra pounds recently it is best to head off any more weight gain before it gets out of control. If you child is already overweight you can help him to lose the weight that he needs in order to get healthier.
Here are a few tips on helping your child to lose weight:
Do not use the word “diet”. It is best to obliterate that word from your vocabulary. Instead, focus on healthy eating. The less of a big deal you make about your child’s weight, the better. Making a big deal about it may make your child feel very self-conscious. Addressing the issue without really addressing it is probably best.
Serve healthier snacks. If your child hates vegetables, try adding something to make them taste better. For example, celery with a little peanut butter. Try to eliminate some of the snacking. Do not buy as many foods to snack on and this will not be too big of a problem. The little packages of cheese and crackers or peanut butter and crackers to snack on are a lot better than cookies.
Get outside and work in a little extra exercise several times a week. Go for a walk and invite him along. If he sees his Mom or Dad exercising, he is more likely to exercise. Be a good example. Bike riding is an excellent family outing.
Drastic changes do not have to be made in order to accomplish a weight reduction in your child. Actually, the slower the better because over time your child will gradually work these healthier habits into his life where they will stay with him throughout his life. Help your child to help himself by giving him the tools to enjoy a healthier way of living.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.