You hear the words “Healthy Eating” quite a lot these days. People, in spite of knowing its importance, look at more like a status symbol. These words might be a bit to the face, but that’s how it is. You see people eating good healthy stuff but having “diet soft drinks” with them. How is that eating well?
Eating good food should always be prioritized in children. Children in their growing age have the tendency of gaining extra weight which can also result in obesity in severe cases.
The next question which arises is what is obesity? Obesity is defined as the state of being grossly fat or overweight. Obesity in children is one of the many up-rising conditions in the world.
Children who suffer from this are prone to a lot of systemic diseases like cardiovascular problems, joint pain, sleep apnea etc. They not only feel bad but their self-esteem also is affected. Childhood obesity doesn’t always lead to adult obesity, but prevention is always better than cure. So what are the reasons which lead to obesity in our little ones? We’ll sort it out.
1. Fizzy Drinks and Sodas
One of the most common habit which leads to problems are the fizzy drinks. The increased sugar content and the carbonated water incorporated in these beverages greatly damage your bodily system.
What to follow: It’s impossible to stop children craving towards such beverages. The thing to follow is try to reduce their intake. Make them realize how bad it is. Set a good example for them.
2. Avoid Deep Fried Meat
Probably one of the main causes of child obesity is the excessive consumption of deep fried meat. I know we all love that amazing taste of chicken. But that most certainly doesn’t mean that you make it a part of your daily routine.
The misconception about most mothers is that they buy processed foods like chicken nuggets from supermarkets for their easiness, thinking that it’s proper chicken. But it’s not.
What to follow: Try to incorporate the chicken, beef and eggs in their diets, but in a healthier way. Try to be more creative with your way of making food. Add different colors in the form of vegetables in their diet.
Try to make it fun and more appealing for your child. There’s not a better sight then to see a kid smile isn’t it? By adding vegetables they’ll get the benefits of consuming vitamins, minerals and most of all good protein, immensely important for growth.
3. French Fries
French Fries, one of the most loved foods by our young ones. Who doesn’t love French Fries? Obviously, everybody does. But its excess can lead to different systemic problems. One of them is the accumulation of fat.
What to follow: Parents should always keep a strict check on the child’s diet. Occasionally these foods don’t do much damage, but it’ll definitely damage your child’s health if eaten on a daily basis.
4. Trans Fats
These fats are found in some margarine, cookies, crackers, fried foods, baked goods, snack foods and other processed foods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. These are also termed as the “bad fats”
What to follow: It’s obvious that you can’t just stop the transfatty products in your children’s diet. But what you can do is limit their consumption towards certain products. Incorporating the good fats can really prove wonders.
By good fats we mean the use of unsaturated fats which are the Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids. Both of these fatty acids are found in poultry items especially in fish. Nuts including almonds, pecans, hazelnuts and walnuts are also good for health.
The most important aspect is the parent’s guidance. It is solely on the parents to keep a check and balance on their children’s diet. Be a role model. Set a good example for your young ones to follow. Take their opinions, make them feel important. So provide your children with a healthy lifestyle and see them grow and enjoy life to the fullest.