It is one thing to get ourselves healthy, but getting kids to be healthy is
a different story.
How likely is a kid to realize they need to change their habits to get
healthy? That's where parents and guardians come in.
If you are concerned about your child's weight, there are steps to take
to get them on the path to health.
Don't Make It An Issue
The last thing you want to do is put your kid on the spot or make them
uncomfortable and self-concious. Don't talk about their weight - unless they bring it up. Getting healthy is more than weight loss.
Set An Example
Instead of telling your child - "you shouldn't eat that donut, it's not good
for you", show them what they should eat and don't have junk food
available in the first place!
Kids want to be like their parents, show them that you eat healthy
foods that taste good, and they might eat it, too.
Cook new healthy recipes with your child and it will encourage them to
eat it.
Don't buy junk food, don't eat it - your kids will notice, and hopefully do
the same. They can't eat junk if it's not in the house.
Make It Fun
Don't make it seem like a grueling process. Make it fun and interesting.
Try new sports, go walking to places you've never seen around your
area, encourage them to join a class like karate, or a team sport,
anything that gets them moving and having fun!
Remember, don't make it about weight - make it all about feeling healthy and feeling good.
Get Some Gear
You have some fitness gear, right? Workout clothes, DVDs, maybe an
exercise mat?
Getting your child some of their own gear can excite them and
encourage healthy behaviors that can remain into adulthood.
Workout together, make up contests, get creative!
At first, your child may be a bit shocked at the changes being made,
but it's for the better. They may resist at first, especially older kids, but
be persistant.
If you must, you can get kids to eat healthier by being a little sneaky.
Make "smoothies" with plain fat free yogurt, fruit like bananas and
strawberries, and I bet they'll love 'em!
Get creative. These work easily on younger kids!
Make some sweet potatoes, spiced with cinnamon and a little brown
sugar, serve in a small dessert dish with crushed graham crackers
and whip cream on top. They'll never know it's not really pie.
Sneak some canned pumpkin into mac and cheese, spaghetti sauce
and chili! It has a beautiful orange color for mac and cheese, and it is
chock full of vitamins!
For more sneaky ideas, check out the books on the right! ----------->
