Weight Loss in Children
by Cass
Hope
zone3
What is “too young” to begin a weight loss program with children? Is
there actually such a thing? There are many different opinions on the
topic of child obesity but one thing everyone can agree on is that it is
becoming an epidemic in North America. Many reports show that obesity now
kills more people in a year than smoking does.
So whose fault is it? I don’t think there is any one area of blame but
a combination of many. The fast paced lives that we lead have created more
of a demand for “quick” meals whether they are pre packages or fast foods.
The consumption of junk food is at an all time high with more and more
variety that are all very attractive to our kids. Parents often think they
are doing something nice for their kids when they give in to the demands
of “I have to have that” when they see the constant advertising of
attractive and yummy treats on television. Lack of exercise, face it many
kids to day are just plain lazy. So is a weight loss program the answer
for overweight and obese kids? My answer is definitely yes. If however you
ask me is the answer to put these kids on a diet…my answer is definitely
NO!
So what is the difference? Weigh loss means changing the way your
child eats in a very positive way. Tell them to eat more fruits and
vegetables because they are healthy for them. Keeping the junk food out of
the house is the best way to make sure they are not eating it. I don’t
mean that an occasional treat is not ok but the key word here is
“occasional.” Watch their fat intake. Pre packaged foods and fast foods
are very high in fat especially Trans fats which are very dangerous. More
and more companies have realized this danger and are offering Trans fat
free foods. Get your child involved in physical activities. Today our
children’s lives often revolve around television, video games and
computers. The common negative denominator here is that they all involve
just sitting. These are all excellent ways to help our children with their
weight.
There is a big difference between healthy weight loss and a
diet. A diet is something negative that makes children feel focused on
their size rather than their health. Diet does not mean healthy it means
getting thin any way possible, which is exactly the opposite of what we
want our kids to believe. What you teach your kids when they are young
about eating habits is the seed you plant for their future and giving our
children good health is in my opinion our responsibility.
(for web
reprints please ensure this URL is hyperlinked)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cass Hope is a registered massage therapist who has studied and
counseled in nutrition. Cass regularly contributes to online and offline
publications dealing with weight loss and nutrition. She is currently
sponsoring this site: http://www.naturalsuccess.info/
Weigth Loss Related Articles:
 Tips on successful weight loss
Where Diets Go Wrong
How To Lose Weight and Stay Thin
The Greatest Diet Discovery
Vinegar and Weight Loss
The Cabbage Soup Diet Explained
Say Goodbye To Dieting
Natural Weight Loss is Not a Diet Pill
Discover the best weight loss exercise!
Help! My Kids are Overweight!
|
Go to Page: 