Outdoor Games For Children

Diet and Weight Control for Children
By Chris Chenoweth

Overweight children need love, support, and encouragement from their parents. An overweight child probably knows better than anyone else that he or she has a weight problem.

Focus on the positive qualities of your child. NEVER focus on the weight of your child.

Try not to treat your child differently if he or she is overweight. Instead, focus on gradually changing the physical activities and eating habits of your family.

Be a good role model for your child. If your child sees you enjoying healthy foods and regular physical activities, he or she is more likely to do the same now and for the rest of his or her life.

Realize that an appropriate goal for many overweight children is to maintain their current weight while growing normally in height. They do not necessarily need to lose weight.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT:

*Decreasing calories-in: meaning eat fewer calories, or

*Increasing calories-out: meaning burn more calories, or

*Ideally, a combination of both.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT GOALS:

The first goal of weight management in children and teenagers should be to stop weight gain and maintain normal growth in height. This way they can GROW INTO their weight. To start, have your child eat healthier and begin a program of regular exercise and physical activity.

Once your child has stopped gaining weight and is on a regular program of dieting and exercising, you can set further goals of slow weight loss, if necessary. However, do so cautiously.

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION:

It is important to modify the behaviors that have caused your child to become overweight and prevent weight loss. Listed below are some helpful tips:

TELEVISION/VIDEO GAMES, ETC: You should limit television viewing to about one or two hours each day. Remember, this includes playing video games and using the computer. These pastimes encourage lack of exercise.

SNACKS: You should limit snacks to two healthy snacks each day such as raw fruits or vegetables. Avoid using high calorie or high fat foods for snacks, especially chips, cookies, etc.

DRINKS: You should encourage your child to drink four to six glasses of water each day, especially before meals. Water has no calories and it will help you to feel full. Other drinks can include diet sodas and lowfat milk. Avoid letting your child drink regular soft drinks or bottled fruit juices, as they are high in calories (150-170 calories per serving).