Childhood Obesity: 5 Parenting Tips to Raise Your Kids in a Junk-Free Environment

One of the biggest concerns for parents is getting their children to eat nutritious and healthy meals. However, children generally become picky eaters and enjoy fried and sugary foods more which can cause severe childhood obesity.

When you have a child, every little milestone of theirs brings you happiness and joy. Whether it’s the first time they grasp your finger or the first steps they take, each development makes your heart leap with joy. But, with each new step, parents are also constantly concerned about their health and well-being. Parenting is often challenging and requires a lot of hard work and responsibilities, especially for new parents, as children’s formative years are paramount in shaping their lives.

One of the biggest concerns for parents is getting their children to eat nutritious and healthy foods that help them grow. However, children often get picky and demand junk food with unhealthy fats and added sugars. They also increase the chances that children will develop childhood obesity, which causes multiple risk factors for many health complications in the future. Dr. Pallavi Rao Chaturvedi, parenting coach, educator and founder of Get Set Parent spoke to IANS and shared some ideas for raising his children in a junk food free environment:

5 ways to deal with your child’s junk food consumption:

1. Be a role model for children: Children often imitate their parents and admire them in everything. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that you set a good example by choosing nutritious, home-cooked meals over fast food. Show them that healthy eating can be delicious and can make a difference.
2. Talk and educate: Teach your children the importance of a balanced diet and explain to them the negative effects of excessive consumption of fast food. Help them understand the nutritional value of whole foods and the consequences of consuming too many processed foods.
3. Involve them in meal planning and preparation: Get your kids actively involved in meal planning and preparation, solicit their suggestions and try to implement them. Let them choose fruits and vegetables in the supermarket and help in the kitchen. This will give them a sense of ownership and make them more likely to enjoy healthier foods.
4. Limit fast food as a treat: Instead of completely saying no to fast food, consider it an occasional treat rather than a regular meal option. Set clear rules about how often it can be consumed, such as once a week or on special occasions.
5. Make healthy snacks accessible: Keep a variety of healthy snacks available for your child to choose from. Stock the pantry with options like fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, whole-grain crackers, and yogurt. Limit the availability of processed snacks and sugary treats.
6. Choose healthier alternatives: When eating out, choose restaurants that offer healthier options or a wider range of options. Look for places that have salads, grilled options, and fresh ingredients. Encourage your children to make healthier choices by explaining the benefits of those choices.

Remember that changes in eating habits may not happen overnight. Be patient, consistent, and understanding as you work to improve your child’s eating habits and patterns for a better, healthier tomorrow.