Suggestions for a Healthier Child

A good follow up to yesterday’s posting regarding a new series of frequently asked questions about childhood obesity…

Nicki Anderson, author of Reality Fitness: Inspiration of your Health and Well-being and a health and fitness columnist for Suburban Chicago Newspapers, offers these suggestions for parents to enhance healthier eating and activity in the home:

• When it comes to healthy living, it's all about education. Be it a park district class, a class at your local hospital or meeting with a dietician, YOU need to get beyond the confusion and learn how to live a healthier life.

• As you begin to make changes within your family, take baby steps. Making small changes will have a long lasting effect. Some ideas include replacing potato chips with baked tortilla chips that contained no hydrogenated fat. Start adding fruits and veggies to your diet by placing them on the counter for a convenient snack. Usually kids and adults will go for veggies and fruit that are ready to eat. Because we're used to convenience, if fruit or veggies aren't cut up, they won't be eaten.

• I know you’ve heard it a million times before, but limit TV and computer time. I am a full-time working mom like many of you, and yes, there are times when the TV or computer is a Godsend, but the fact remains we need to get our kids moving. Take a 15-minute walk after dinner or play the old game Twister or Charades. These are just a few of the ideas you might try, and I’m sure there are some unique ones you can come up with. Also, let’s not forget that you can add extra activity through obvious choices such as parking farther away from your destination, taking the stairs vs. the elevator, and seeking out opportunities to walk or bike vs. drive.

• Set family goals. Have each member of your family set an exercise and nutrition goal for the week!

• Make trips to fast-food restaurants far and few between. Soup and sandwiches are significantly better than most fast food and the prep time in minimal.

• PLAN AHEAD! By planning ahead and shopping for what you need you will be more likely to stay on top of healthy nutrition. You can find numerous healthy recipes on-line.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at February 24, 2006 02:56 PM | TrackBack