MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO (KTVI - FOX2now.com) -
More children than ever are obese, which leads them down a dangerously unhealthy road. Plus being overweight, even as a preschooler, can result in teasing from other kids and a low self-esteem. Instilling good eating habits when children are young can prevent obesity now and later.
The National Center for Parents as Teachers offers these ideas to keep kids healthier and fit for life.
8 Ways To A Healthy Food Attitude
1. Avid The 'Clean Plate Club' If your baby is full, she may close her mouth or turn away when food is offered. Toddlers may begin to play with their food or push it away. Never pressure a child to eat more than what she wants or needs.
2. Don't Create A Sweet Tooth. Research shows introduction of high-fat, sweet foods and drinks at an early age could contribute to childhood obesity.
3. Offer a Healthy Variety of Foods - And Be Patient. Research has shown it's easier to learn to like a variety of foods during the first five to six years of life than in later years. But it may take serving a food 15 times to get a child to try it.
4. Be A Role Model. Make vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats part of your regular, healthy diet. In addition, letting your child help with grocery shopping and preparing the meals is fun for him, teaches good nutrition, and reinforces the healthier choices your family is making.
5. Eat Slowly and On Time. Set regular snack and meal times and sit down together to avoid mindless munching. A healthy snack between meals also may prevent a child (and you) from overeating at meals.
6. Don't Bribe Children With Desserts. Seeing food as a reward encourages poor eating habits. It also makes the treat seem more desirable while the healthy foods become "the enemy."
7. Minimize TV Time. In addition to the obvious lack of exercise while your child watches television, commercials also make unhealthy products like sweets, soda and other junk food seem very appealing to kids. And what they see is what they want.
8. Get Moving. Set an example and play together outside, visit a park or playground, or take a walk together.
For more parenting tips like these, visit www.ParentsAsTeachers.org.
The National Center for Parents as Teachers offers these ideas to keep kids healthier and fit for life.
8 Ways To A Healthy Food Attitude
1. Avid The 'Clean Plate Club' If your baby is full, she may close her mouth or turn away when food is offered. Toddlers may begin to play with their food or push it away. Never pressure a child to eat more than what she wants or needs.
2. Don't Create A Sweet Tooth. Research shows introduction of high-fat, sweet foods and drinks at an early age could contribute to childhood obesity.
3. Offer a Healthy Variety of Foods - And Be Patient. Research has shown it's easier to learn to like a variety of foods during the first five to six years of life than in later years. But it may take serving a food 15 times to get a child to try it.
4. Be A Role Model. Make vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats part of your regular, healthy diet. In addition, letting your child help with grocery shopping and preparing the meals is fun for him, teaches good nutrition, and reinforces the healthier choices your family is making.
5. Eat Slowly and On Time. Set regular snack and meal times and sit down together to avoid mindless munching. A healthy snack between meals also may prevent a child (and you) from overeating at meals.
6. Don't Bribe Children With Desserts. Seeing food as a reward encourages poor eating habits. It also makes the treat seem more desirable while the healthy foods become "the enemy."
7. Minimize TV Time. In addition to the obvious lack of exercise while your child watches television, commercials also make unhealthy products like sweets, soda and other junk food seem very appealing to kids. And what they see is what they want.
8. Get Moving. Set an example and play together outside, visit a park or playground, or take a walk together.
For more parenting tips like these, visit www.ParentsAsTeachers.org.
