Obesity develops over time and cannot be solved overnight.  Remember that this is not an emergency.  Do not expect dramatic change.  That is unrealistic. The best way to have a healthy weight is prevention. Be sure your family has healthy habits from the beginning, and prevent yourself and your children from becoming overweight. It is much easier to maintain a healthy weight than it is to lose weight.Obesity is not just your child’s problem.  It is a problem that the whole family must be involved in solving.  Your child lives within your family environment.

Here are some tips:

•Set short-term goals for changes in your child’s diet and exercise on a weekly basis.  Update your goals each week.  Write them down.  Examples of goals include setting a time limit on TV watching, and taking a walk every day.
•Make sure the goals you set are realistic.  For example, exercising an hour every day is unrealistic for a child who is de-conditioned, and not used to even minimal physical activity. 
•Use rewards when your child meets their weekly goals.  Rewards could be special time with you doing an activity your child enjoys or a special toy.
•Have your child keep a record of their food intake and exercise.  This will allow them to be more self-aware of their behavior.  Then look at the record together, one-on-one, and go over it.  Give them positive feedback.
•Praise your child for healthy food choices and physical activity.  Remember:  criticism and punishment just don’t work.
•Make sure your child understands that they can make a difference in their weight and that you will support them all the way.
•Help your child recognize hunger and fullness signals.  Stop eating when you’re full and turn down helpings when you are no longer hungry.  Help your child do the same.
•Help your child figure out what kinds of emotions and situations trigger overeating for them.
•Make your child’s behavior changes a positive, fun experience by planning healthy foods, fun activities, and rewards for positive behavior.

Remember the old adage:  “Kids will do as you do, not as you say”?  Your kids look to you, the parents, to see how to behave.  If your whole family eats healthy foods and gets active, and then your child will, too!
For your query check under the following link for more nutritional information:

http://www.doctornutritionist.com/

Last edited by Lodd (2007-04-19 21:03:51)