Help prevent your family take the following steps to prevent childhood obesity.
Eating Better:
- Start the day with a healthy breakfast. Choose whole-grains, fresh fruits, and low-fat or nonfat milk.
- Eat together as often as possible. Let the kids help plan one meal each week to get everyone involved!
- Eat slowly. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to register that you're full.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Aim for at least 2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of veggies each day!
- Drink plenty of fluids. Choose water, low-fat or nonfat milk, and low calorie or diet beverages.
- Vary your food choices daily.
- Reward children with praise rather than food.
- Serve food in smaller portions. Do not demand or reward a "clean plate."
- Read the nutritional labels before purchasing snacks. Make sure they are not loaded with sugar, and provide nutrients for energy. Keep a variety of snack-foods in the house such as fruit, veggies, whole-grain cereals and crackers.
- Children imitate their parents, so be sure to set a good example!
Be More Active:
- Move more. Try to get 30-60 minutes of physical activity each day. Several 10-15 minute sessions of moderate activity each day add up!
- Include regular physical activity into your daily routine. For example, walk as a family before or after meals.
- Limit TV, computer, and video game time to a total of one to two hours per day. Encourage physical activity instead, such as sculpting with clay, riding a bike, shooting hoops, or playing at the park.
- Increase children's household chores (such as vacuuming, dusting, walking the dog). These are great ways to burn calories!
- Include an activity such as hiking, bike riding, or swimming when you go on vacation.
- Park your vehicle farther away when shopping.
- Take the stairs rather than the elevator.
- Be a role model for your children! Do something active every day!
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