Healthy food and sedentary lifestyles lead to obesity in children. The junk food coupled with lot of screen time is a major cause of obesity leading to chronic diseases in later life. Chubby children look cute when they are in their early stages but not when they grow older. Most pediatricians recommend two hours or less of screen time and one hour or more of physical activity for children.
Healthy Food
As per the saying all that tastes good may not be good, children must not be continuously fed junk food or high calorie food just because they like it. Bribing food or sweets may not be a good trend. Doctors recommend daily five servings of fruits and vegetables. One serving is equal to the amount that fits in their fists. Children must be encouraged to try out all the different types of fruits and vegetables. Your child may have to take vitamin supplements if totally depending on vegetarian food.
Milk
Milk is the first food for any baby. Milk has all the essential proteins, minerals and vitamins for children. Some parents feed solid foods for their children and may sacrifice milk. But, doctors recommend daily 24 ounces of milk daily for children. Milk is easily digested in children in most cases.
Screen Time
Electronics serve as a great assistant and baby sitter to engage children. Mostly living indoors, children resort to electronic media such as the good old television, video games, computer games, mobile phones, and others for entertainment. But, it is suggested that children get no more than two hours of screen time per day. It is not good for their physical health as well as destroys brain and vision.
Physical Exercise
The physical exercise which children get in schools is not enough. Doctors do recommend one hour of physical exercise for children. In fact, they are capable of more than that. The physical exercise may be any sport or swimming or just casual play in the backyard.
Water
Finally, children must take zero sweetened beverages as it is not good for their health. Water is a major part of the earth and the body and hence must be a major part of the daily intake. Eight glasses of water are recommended daily. And don’t forget fifteen minutes of sunshine and ten to twelve hours of sleep for your child.
First Lady Michelle Obama recently announced “Let’s move” campaign to increase the child obesity awareness. It is important to consult your family pediatrician regarding a child’s diet and have annual health check ups.