Understanding Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity begins in the home. Many parentsfoods other areas of the house, then be specific about
today want to lay blame on television, McDonalds andwhat types of food they eat in front of the TV.
game systems for their children being overweight andAs examples:
many to the point of obesity. However, you cannotChocolate is a no no, it can stain the couch and carpet
blame the television, a fast food restaurant, or SonyIce cream is a no no, it can also stain
for your child being overweight. The only person youPotato chips is a no no, they crumble and make a
can really blame is yourself.mess on the furniture and floor
You must learn what can be done to prevent obesityNo drinks except water in carpeted areas
and start making changes in the way you eat at homeTypes of food they can enjoy:
and the amount of time you and your children sit onCarrots will not stain or leave a mess
the couch.Yogurt
What type of eating environment do you have atApples
home? Do you allow your child to sit in front of theBananas
television or his game system with a big bag of potatoPeanuts
chips and a 2-liter bottle of soda? If so, then you areSee what I mean, if they are not allowed to eat certain
watching your child develop unhealthy eating habitsfoods in front of the TV or while playing games they
that can cause obesity.will soon be eating healthier snacks or at least not
How many times do you take your child to fast foodeating junk food.
restaurants? Your kids cannot drive themselves toThis will only work, if you and your spouse do not eat
McDonalds and order a Big Mac. If you have thein front of the TV except for the items you place on
desire to have a healthy child, then you must firstthe Okay foods for TV watching.
show them how to eat healthy by eating healthyOnly eat at fast food restaurants once or twice per
yourself. Plan healthy meals; only allow food, snacks,month. If you have to work outside the home and you
and drinks at the table, not in front of TV or in theirdo not have time to prepare healthy meals. Cook
rooms. If you confine the areas, they can eat to themore than one meal on your day off and freeze it.
dining room table or kitchen table the desire to snackThen you will not have to order pizza or run out to
on junk food will be pretty much eliminated since theyMcDonalds.
cannot munch out while watching cartoons. If you allow