Unhealthy Eating Patterns In Children
Today more than ever parents need to be vigilant when considering the diet of their children. With obesity among children on the rise unhealthy eating patterns are a real cause for concern and a call to action.
Children when choosing what they want to eat have always gravitated towards food and drinks that are the less healthy option. Most children don't fight over the last of the broccoli on the dinner table. The truth is that families are adding more and more processed food to their daily diet. So many families are extremely limited on time for preparation of meals with both parents commonly working that less healthy food options are commonly chosen. Although preparation does take longer with fresh vegetables and breads the nutritional payoff is well worth the investment of precious time.
Other factors are at play when analyzing obesity. Studies show that generally today's children spend less time playing outside and getting physical exercise than they should. It is fast becoming an epidemic. Children are spending much more time watching television, playing video and games, and spending much time on the internet. It is important for parents to encourage and even push their children to spend at least a portion of their play time doing some physical activity that allows them exercise. This is important for children's metabolism as well as their energy levels.
One area of a child's diet that is a great place to start would be what is served for their afternoon snacks. It is common for kids to get home from school and head straight for the cupboard or pantry to retrieve chips, candy, and or course, those delicious cream-filled pastries. Parents do a lot to help kids choose healthy snacks, even if both parents are still at work when kids get home from school. It is a good idea to plan a day before what kids will eat for snacks. Let them be involved in what is served. They will then look forward to that more creative snack rather than just grab for the chips or cookies. Several great after-school snack ideas could include:
- Celery topped with peanut butter and raisins (commonly known as "ants on a log")
- Apple and cheese slices
- Carrots and low-fat ranch dip
- Peaches and cottage cheese
- Toasted wheat bread topped with cinnamon and a spot of sugar
As parents consider ways to helps their children eat healthier they will literally be adding years to their life. Healthy eating habits and patterns must start when children are still young so that when they reach adulthood these practices become second nature to them and in turn can be passed on to the next generation.
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