5 Reasons for Obesity in Kids

There is a growing problem in our society today that is affecting a whole generation of people and that is obesity in children. You see more children overweight than ever before. This is becoming a national disaster in US and many countries in the West. There are several reasons for this. Here are 5.

Our lifestyle: One of the biggest factors is our actual lifestyle. In many families both parents are working and they simply do not have the time or make time to make sure that their kids are eating right. The average family relies on fast food
Not eating in a healthy manner. Many families are not very knowledgeable on what a healthy diet should be.
Snacks usually consist of junk food: kids are growing and active and require snacks that will give them energy. Many times they will rely on junk food and sodas for giving them an energy boost.
Lack of supervision: Parents are not always home to supervise the kids so they eat what they find in the home.
Children are less active: in today’s computer age kids are less active than they used to be. In the old days they used to go outside to play and run around with friends, but now they are more interested in playing video games and playing on their computers.

So what can we do about it?

If you need to eat fast food you do have choices. You do not have to settle for a burger fries and a soda. There are fast foods like “Subway” that have more nutritious sandwiches with fewer calories. Instead of fries you can choose a side like fruit or yogurt. Instead of soda you can have milk, diet soda or just plain water. These are just a few alternatives that you can offer your kids when you order fast food.

Eating a healthy diet is not hard. You just need to make a few adjustments. Here are 3 ways you can use today.
Serve up whole grain foods like brown rice and brown bread instead of the usual white rice and refined foods. This will add fiber to your child’s diet and make them eat less because they will remain full longer.
Check the calories on packet foods and try to go for the ones with less fat and carbohydrates.
Add more fruits and vegetables to your family diet. This adds fiber, fills up your child and provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Junk food snacks can be replaced with protein bars, fruits and vegetables. Sweetened juice and soda can be replaced with water or “lite” juice drinks. Sugar free drinks are becoming more popular and are readily available in the stores.

The simplest way to cut down your child’s consumption of junk food is not to have it in the house. Provide alternatives as seen above and you will be able to train your child to change their diet.

Activity is a tough problem. You can get the family involved in hiking, bicycling or extra curricular sports. Encourage your kids to go out and play, get them interested in nature by starting a garden. You can even organize some country walks for the family where your child can get out and enjoy a complete change of scene. Do you want to know how to lose 10 lbs a month or more? Visit http://lose10lbamonth.com