Dealing with Childhood Obesity, Part 2

Emphasizing what is positive and the benefits of changing their behavior can make all the difference. For example, when they lose weight, they will be able to buy that new pair of jeans they have been longing for, or will look great at summer camp in a bikini, are just two of the ways you can give a girl an incentive to slim down.

For boys, it might be great new sports equipment or a trip to the local water park in their new swim trunks. Just fostering the child’s natural inclination to please you, have fun, and discover new things can serve as perfect opportunities to introduce fitness routines, and reduce such incidents like eating out of boredom. If these things are done with every child who is overweight, we will soon have much slimmer children.

Cutting the connection between food and mood is one of the keys. It should not be used as a reward and does not need to be the center of every single celebration, Eating at home, where you can control portion sizes and what is in the dishes, will be key.

Setting a good example too in terms of eating habits and physical activity can also be two of the best ways to instill good habits that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

You will also gain quite a few benefits from eating healthy and slimming down yourself, no matter what your age. Even losing 10 pounds can help reverse certain health conditions, like hugh blood pressure and insuling resistance.

If you shed your extra weight, you will feel much better about yourself and also be able to keep up with your kids even more.

Remember, the family who plays together, stays together. Plan exercise every day before dinner, such as a walk though the neighborhood or a trip on the bike. You can catch up with each other, share your day, and then go home to a great homecooked meal from your crock pot or out of the microwave, a healthy recipe you prepared in advance and froze.

Make ahead muffins, freezer recipes and Thermos recipes can help you feed your child breakfast, lunch and dinner in healthy ways.Talk to your doctor if you want some recommendations that are specific for your child’s current health situation, and start to slim down together. Your renewed energy and healthy outlook and way you feel will be all the incentive you need to keep up the great work.