6 excellent ways to save your kid from child obesity

Obesity in children is becoming more common as a result of poor dietary choices, but it is also important to understand that obesity can lead to long-term health problems. Simple steps can help kids learn and develop healthy eating habits so they can enjoy a lifelong healthy weight that supports an active, confident lifestyle. It is not about putting children on a diet. Calorie restriction, as well as categorizing foods as "good" or "bad," sets them up for failure. Instead, model healthy behaviors and teach children how to make nutritious choices.

Early childhood nutrition is critical; what children are taught at a young age is usually what they follow for the rest of their lives. They are more likely to eat healthily if you do. Fill your pantry and refrigerator with nutritious foods such as: Fruits and vegetables, complete grains, Beans, lean meats, and poultry, and Dairy products that are low in fat or fat-free. Begin by ensuring that your child consumes at least two fruits per day and one green vegetable at every meal.

We all know how important water is to the human body, and it is critical to teach children about it. It is advised to consume 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. To incorporate this into a child's daily routine, parents can give them a water bottle and instruct them that they must empty the entire bottle four times (depending on the capacity of the water bottle) throughout the day. This will get them into a routine, but remember not to force it on them because it will take time and your child may not initially drink the entire bottle for the set amount of time.

Sleep deprivation can have an impact on a child's weight. When you don't get enough sleep, your hunger hormones shift, which can lead to hunger. Furthermore, when your child is tired, they are not enthusiastic about physical activity. Children, depending on their age, require 8-14 hours of sleep per night. Give your child a set bedtime and keep their room cool, dark, and free of electronics to help them get enough sleep.

“Assist your child in incorporating physical activity into their daily routine. Physical activity can help your child develop strong bones, increase immunity, and improve their self-esteem, as well as help prevent obesity. Children under the age of six should be naturally active throughout the day. Take your kids for walks on a regular basis, and encourage outdoor play whenever possible,” advises Dr. Archana Batra, Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator & Physiotherapist.

When children are hungry, parents may overfeed them, which is also incorrect. Portion control is another skill that children should be taught because it will come in handy throughout their lives. You can begin by ensuring that your child eats smaller portions with intervals in between rather than three large meals. This would keep them feeling fuller for longer, preventing them from overeating or binge eating. Provide them with healthy snack options such as cut-up fruit or air-popped popcorn. Don't let them skip meals in order to save room for snacks like chips and cookies.