Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for children’s health and well-being, both now and in the future. Encouraging healthy habits from a young age can help set children up for a lifetime of good health.
According to Healthline, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for children’s overall health and well-being for the following reasons:
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Children who maintain a healthy weight have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases later in life, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
- Improved mental health: A healthy weight can positively impact a child’s mental health, including their self-esteem and body image.
Here are some ways to help your children maintain a healthy weight by Centers for Disease and Prevention:
- Encourage a balanced diet: A balanced diet should include whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Avoid processed and high-calorie foods.
- Provide healthy snacks: Keep fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts available for snacking. Avoid sugary and high-calorie snacks.
- Limit sugary drinks: Encourage your children to drink water or milk instead of sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice as sugary drinks do not have nutritional value and are not a healthy option for little ones.
- Get active: Encourage physical activity by playing outside, participating in sports, or going for family walks or bike rides.
- Set limits: Encourage your children to listen to their bodies and stop eating when they are full. Avoid forcing them to clean their plates or overeating.
Also see: The importance of teaching your children the value of money
