Child obesity has become one of the most common diseases in today's world. Most children who are obese as a child will continue to be into their adulthood.

Many objects have been associated with this increase, some are
Diet.
Modern times.
Genes.
These are just a few reasons for our children to be overweight.

Our diet has changed over the years. Our lives have become more hectic and we prefer to eat more fast food and processed food because it is convenient and quick.
Modern technology has made the world and our kids lazier. We do not have to get up out of the chair to change the television channel anymore. Computer games have taken over our children's lives and also some adults. Cars have made it much easier to travel around and we prefer to use them instead of our feet or a bicycle.
Our genes are something that we are born with but with guidelines and help we can still be healthy.

We can help our children to fight against obesity by following some easy home guidelines.

1/ Diet is one thing that is a big issue. We need to encourage children to make the right decisions when it comes to food. Have them help prepare food, perhaps ask them to do a menu for dinner. Show them how to read labels on the back of products, indicating how much sugar and fat is in each product.
2/ Teach them to choose more fresh foods rather than processed. Fresh fruit and veggies is the best option. Stick to the portion sizes.

Some recommended portion sizes, examples-
serve of bread = 2 slices, 1 cup of cereal = 1 serve.
65-100gm of meat = 1 serve,
Diary 1 serve = 250ml glass of milk or 40g cheese. 1 cup of almonds = 1 serve.
Fruit 1 serve = 2 pieces of small fruit, like apricots or plums or 11/2 tblsp sultanas.
Extra Food is: 30g pkt potato chips, half a chocolate bar, 1 tblsp butter, 1 can of soft drink (make it sugar-free). (National Health & Medical Research Council) (Australia).

Portion size is one of the main keys in weight loss, this is where the will power has to be strong and we need to encourage it at all times. Children may slip in this area but that is where we as parents can help. Get them straight back on track again without making a fuss about it. Explain that its just a set back and that they can start all over again the next day. Be positive not negative.

3/ Encourage your child to drink plenty of water, if they don't like water add a few lemon slices to a jug and keep it in the fridge so they have easy access to it and it is not a hassle to pour.
Drinking water will keep them feeling full and help flush out the bad toxins that are in our system. It will also clean out their pours in the skin and make their skin look and feel healthier.

4/ This is a great time to get the whole family involved in getting healthy and fit. Join in with your child while he/she is trying to loss weight. Make up a chart with everyone from your family on the list.

*Mark down what exercises the family had done for the day together.

*What exercises that had been done individually.

*Any housework that may have been physical activity.

*You could either do a weight test, or if anyone is against this, perhaps measuring would suit the occasion so nobody gets embarrassed. Keep a record and measure only once a week.

5/ Exercise can be a joyous occasion. Riding the bikes to the park together, playing a game of cricket or football, taking the dog for a walk along the beach or hiking. Dancing while setting the table to some favourite music, this could be for everyone.

If obesity stays with our children, there are many health effects that can arise.
High cholesterol, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, liver disease, skin infections, asthma and other respiratory problems. Heart attacks can occur and they can suffer from strokes.

We need to help our children fight this war against obesity and make sure that they know they are not alone in this quest to succeed.

Here's a site that will help with your diet

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