The Best Parenting Ideas for Parents Who Want to Fight Against Obesity in Children

With childhood obesity on the rise in the World, many parents are concerned about keeping their children’s weight under control. Although it can be easy to fall into the trap of overfeeding your child if you’re not careful, there are plenty of ways to reduce childhood obesity without depriving them of the fun of eating and enjoying their favorite foods. Here are some of the best parenting ideas for parents who want to fight against obesity in children. 

Healthy snack alternatives 

Raw vegetables with hummus dip, whole-grain crackers with cheese, turkey or almond butter, honey or chocolate chips (watch out, these can be a trigger food!).  

A recent study found that eating this combination once a day could reduce the risk of obesity by 18%. In addition, avoid screen time before bedtime and talk to your children about their weight.

One of the best ways to prevent obesity is by changing your children's diet. One way you can do this is by :-

• Offering healthy snacks at home and on the go. Kids who eat a balanced diet are less likely to snack on junk food. 

• Healthy options like apples, carrots, popcorn, raisins, clementines, nuts, yogurt and hard boiled eggs all make great snacks! These foods are easy to pack up and take with you when you're out with your kids. 

• Also, research shows that drinking water before or during meals helps people feel fuller faster which may lead them to eat less. Drinking water also boosts metabolism which helps break down food more efficiently so it is used as energy instead of stored as fat.

Take your child with you when you go grocery shopping 

• Go grocery shopping with your children and they'll get an up-close look at the foods that they eat. Once kids can identify what they're eating, they are more likely to make a connection between food and their bodies. 

• When you go out for fast food or grab takeout, pack a healthier option: If your child is requesting junk food or takeout but you want them to have something healthier instead, offer them an alternative like applesauce, cereal bars or yogurt. You could also try making homemade popcorn (it's not hard!) or ordering a salad from the restaurant.

Don’t Give up on Exercising 

• It's hard to motivate yourself to work out when it's raining outside. 

• Start by finding ways to exercise indoors, and if that still doesn't suit you, go outside as soon as the rain lets up. 

• Try running at a fast pace for a minute before returning inside or take your dog on a walk during your lunch break. Even if the exercise is just light, doing something is better than nothing! 

• The more movement you can fit into your day, the more calories you'll burn. 

• For example, park far away from where you're going instead of parking right next to the store and walking briskly to get there; take an evening stroll around your neighborhood; or try adding an elliptical machine or treadmill to your home gym.

Limit soda consumption 

One way that parents can fight against obesity is by limiting the amount of soda their children drink. 

1. For example, you can restrict soda intake by only offering it on weekends or as a bedtime treat. 
2. Limiting the amount of soda consumed will help reduce the risk of an unhealthy diet and uncontrolled weight gain. 
3. It's also important to monitor how much sugar-sweetened beverages are being consumed. 
4. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than six ounces (two servings) per day for children ages two through 18 years old. 
5. In addition, keep an eye out for drinks labeled diet or zero calorie which typically contain artificial sweeteners. 
6. Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium may be associated with chronic health issues such as cancer, kidney disease, and headaches.

Watch for Potential Weight Gain Triggers 

The Studies advise parents to take heed of the following weight gain triggers: 

• A toddler who is inactive for hours on end, overeating during mealtimes, skipping breakfast or lunch, eating too many high-calorie snacks, and drinking sugar-sweetened beverages. 

• In addition, obesity has been shown to lead to unhealthy habits like smoking and poor nutrition because it can inhibit physical activity and lead people to eat more food.

• If you are concerned about your child's weight gain, talk with your pediatrician about how often your child should weigh themselves and what level of body fat should be maintained.

A little planning goes a long way 

When it comes to combating obesity, there are two parenting styles that have proven successful in recent studies: 

Positive parenting 

• Positive parenting encourages parents to encourage their children and find other ways of rewarding them.

• Positive parenting includes teaching good manners, being honest with your child about their weight without being too critical, and providing a healthy home environment. 

Advice for new parents

• Advice for new parents helps give direction when they need help or reminders. Both techniques provide tools that can be used by parents regardless of income or the makeup of their household. 

• Advice for new parents includes remembering that your child's life isn't just about food- it also includes exercise!