A recent study in Atlanta indicated that 1 million children in Georgia are obese. The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with 1 out of 3 kids now considered overweight or obese. When I heard these numbers I thought, “Wow! We need to create a health train and get every child, tween and teen to climb aboard!”
Here are a few fast tips for getting your children, tweens and teens on The Health Train.
1. Talk as a family about why choosing healthy food is important to your kid’s well-being
As kids reach for soda and sugary snacks to soothe themselves and quench their appetites, they may not be aware that the empty calories add up to health consequences. Soda is loaded with sugar (about 13 teaspoons per can) artificial sweeteners, caffeine and empty calories (about 150 in a regular soda). Choosing foods that are fuel for the body, rather than focusing on dieting is critical to health. Check out Dr. Lynne Printable Grocery List and ask your kids what they like. Have them make their own whole foods grocery lists and take them with you to then grocery store.
2. Make exercise part of your family’s day, every day
According to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness children and teens need 60 minutes of activity each day for their health. Exercise can be done in as little as 15 minute increments. Walk the dog as a family, kick the soccer ball in the drive-way, or skip rope in between television commercials. That time is well spent and adds up to a daily exercise regimen for health and obesity prevention.
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- Dr. Lynne Kenney - all rights reserved
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