One of the most horrific trends today is the alarming increase in childhood obesity. There are so many reasons why this is happening and I’m sure all of us could list several of these reasons off the top of our heads. If you are the parent of an obese child, it is extremely important to take the proper steps to helping your child today!
If you don’t feel that you obese child is in need of help, that would be the first issue for you to resolve. Not only does your child need help from a health perspective, you need to remember that children can be very mean to other children. Being an overweight child is not an easy life to live.
If you do realize your child needs help, it’s time to take control. First, you need to get rid of the guilt you have for your son or daughters weight problem – the problem is there and there is nothing you can do to change the past. However, there is EVERYTHING you can do to change the future.
1. Remember that you are the adult. You are the boss over what goes on in your child’s life – period. Sit down with your child and explain that you are going to be changing their diet and tell them why. If you happen to be overweight yourself, explain to the child that you are going to be working together to begin a healthier lifestyle.
2. Make small changes in eating habits. You need to keep in mind that the weight of your child did not happen over night. It is going to take a while to get the weight off. Therefore, it is very important to make small changes. These small changes are much easier to introduce to your child and to yourself! For example, make sure your child has a good healthy breakfast each morning. You supervise the portions and the food choices. Week two, introduce a healthy mid morning snack. Keeping the changes small is the key to lifetime changes that will stick forever.
3. Introduce your child to a regular exercise routine. Again, making small changes will last a lifetime. Make it a family thing! For example, each day both of you take a walk around the block, ride a bike together or go to the park for a while. Make a daily commitment to do something physical that you will both enjoy.
4. Commit to yourself and your child. Staying on a healthy path is not easy! There will be bumps along the way – stay strong and get through them. It’s for your child!
Always find the strength to show your child what is best. You are the boss – take control!
My passion for fitness comes from overcoming some very difficult obstacles in my own life. Not too many years ago, I weighed well over 300 pounds, had a very stressful job in the corporate world, and was a heavy smoker. Obviously, that was not the healthiest of lifestyles. It was my fear of a not so long, and unhealthy life, that lead me to a much healthier and happier me! Since then, I have completed several 100 mile bike rides and have even participated in a sprint triathlon. What a difference a couple of years makes!
Staying on the fitness path is not always easy. I often find myself veering off course. I have to work very hard keeping myself on track. I guess that is why I am going to share my stories with anyone who wants to listen. It is my hope that someone might gain something from my journey and hopefully, some of you can help me too!
I now train people on how to stay fit and offer ways for other qualified trainers to help people as well. http://www.fitnessproconnect.com
Tags: children, eating habits, exercise, fitness, nutrition, obesity
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