With video games, TV, computers, poor meal choices and the Internet, children are facing a health crisis of their own. Children are less healthy than they used to be.
Diabetes — thought to mainly be an adult disease in the past — has been on the rise among children. An obese child usually grows up to be an obese adult, which can lead to all sorts of health problems, such as high blood pressure and an increased chance of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.
With this in mind, the group eFitness for Life has put together a top ten list of nutritional tips for children.
- Set a good example and keep your child active. Children learn by example, and if a parent is healthy and active, chances are they are, too. Make activity fun for your child, and enrokl them in as many sporting activities as you can afford.
- Make sure your child eats their breakfast. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It will give them the fuel they need throughout the day. Make sure you guide them towards making healthy breakfast choices, such as oatmeal or whole grain cereals.
- Keep your child hydrated, especially if it’s hot outside or they’re engaged in a sporting activity.
- Make sure your child gets enough protein and carbohydrates in their diets. Foods that are good sources of protein and carbohydrates include fish, poultry, meat, cheese, milk, beans or legumes.
- Provide healthy snacks after exercise. Instead of handing them a chocolate bar, hand them a piece of fruit instead.
- Provide variety in their diet. If your child is eating the same things day after day, chances are he is missing out on some nutritional building blocks. Besides this, children will get bored with their diet. Instead, have them help you choose healthy meals for the entire family. This will help them make better choices in the future.
- See a nutritionist. They can help a great deal when it comes to planning meals for you and your growing child.
- Try to make home cooked meals as opposed to eating out. Fast food is generally not a good way to instill good eating habits in your child.
- Throw out the soda and limit the juices. Soda is jam packed with calories; juices are typically full of sugars. Instead, give them water.
- Teach your children about proper portion sizes. Most people eat way too much food at each meal, which contributes to massive weight gain in both adults and children.
Nutrition is important for both children and adults. Together you can make your house a healthier environment, where everyone can reap the benefits. Don’t allow poor nutrition and inactivity to ruin your child’s health. Together we can make a difference that will last a lifetime.
Jason J. Horsley is the CEO/Founder of eFitness for Life an online fitness and nutrition coaching solution that provides an affordable, convenient alternative to conventional, expensive dietitians and personal training. Through both eFitness for Life and Health and Wealth for Life, Jason is using his 15+ years in the fitness industry to help individuals across the globe not only look better, but feel better and live longer.
The eFitness for Life team is made up of coaches/trainers around the U.S., working with clients throughout the world via the web and the state-of-the-art eFitnessTracker software. For those who need a little extra direction or motivation, visit http://www.efitnessforlife.com to see how and see how the online fitness and nutrition coaching programs can help you.