Children who are overweight are far more likely to remain so as adults, leading to a host of health problems including type-2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Research has shown that children who are a healthy weight have better self-esteem and perform better at school, meaning a healthy lifestyle is vital not just for their body, but also mental wellbeing. Often, it can be difficult to address your child’s weight gain. You may feel guilty denying your child of his or her favourite foods, or you may be worried about damaging their self-confidence by bringing up the weight issue. However, there are plenty of ways to get your children talking about fitness and nutrition that will allow you to work together towards a healthier lifestyle.
Lead By Example
Overweight children are far more likely to come from families where one or both parents are also overweight. However, children learn by example, and it is crucial that you show them healthy eating habits, even if you struggle with your own weight. Sitting down for family meals and preparing healthy food at home instead of ready meals, takeaways and unhealthy snacks, is the best way to encourage your children to take an interest in food and nutrition. Allowing your children to help with cooking, and making fruits and vegetables a key part of every meal, will get them thinking about what they eat.
Time to Get Moving
After a long week at work and school, spending evenings and weekends in front of the television with your family might seem like an appealing activity. However, children need around 60 minutes of physical activity every day in order to stay healthy, so suggesting a bike ride, walking home from school or playing football in the park is an easy way to improve your child’s fitness level. On the weekends, make a point of arranging fun physical activities such as cycling, swimming and skateboarding that will help the whole family stay in shape.
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