Preventing Obesity
Using the growing trend of obesity are you wondering when there is any way to prevent our children from getting overweight? You may be surprised to know that there are some things we are able to do as a parent and caregivers to assist our children to not become another overweight kid.
Obesity starts at an early age. Actually it starts from the moment the child comes into the world and takes its first drink of milk.
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding: when a baby breast feeds it’s easier to allow them to know when they’re full. Breast milk begins thick and rich once the baby starts to feed after which changes to a more watery substance because the child gets full. This change encourages the child to stop drinking as it does not taste as good. Consequently this helps to encourage a baby’s instincts to understand when they are full.
Bottle formula however does not have this capacity and also the baby must rely on their instincts to know when they are full. When Mothers feed their babies by bottles many of them just prop the bottle up within the pram or baby seat and also the baby does not have many options to stop when they’re full. This will prevent the baby from counting on its instincts to tell them when it’s full plus they can grow up in life not really sure if they’re full or not. It makes sense often over indulgence and weight gain.
Bottles are often used as comforters in babies. Whenever the child cries the bottle is popped to their mouth. Babies cry for a number of reasons and not simply because of hunger. This will make a child associate food with comfort and may result in them eating when they’re upset.
Eating habits whenever a child is young: Young kids do need to eat little and often due to the high energy levels only at that age. However you should be careful of how and when they eat. Attempt to feed them at regular times. This is actually the age when fast food is introduced; attempt to make healthy choices rather than relying on the typical burger and fries.
After school snacks: viewed healthy snacks and water rather than junk food and soda. Unhealthy foods may become a lifelong habit which leads to weight gain. Should you start early with healthy food and snacks you will instill good eating routine to your children which will carry them forward right into a healthy life.
Above all lead by example: you cannot expect your child to possess good eating routine and eat healthy if you don’t do this. Try to practice good eating yourself and encourage the rest of the family to do exactly the same. Children idolize their parents and family and can follow their example.
Exercise: Make sure to try to involve the whole family in daily exercise and encourage your son or daughter to play outdoors when the weather permits. Family games and activities can help them to do that.