That's the
advice of one expert who says simple and easy steps are better than direct
discussions about weight and health.
"Food
is powerful. It has the potential to heal and to cause sickness," said
dietitian Kara Shifler Bowers, a project manager the Penn State PRO Wellness
Center. "Don't underestimate the power of small changes that progress over
time. All it takes is one step to start the process.
"Instead,
implement an easy change, like keeping a bowl of fruit available. One change at
a time is more sustainable than a complete lifestyle overhaul," she added
in a university news release.
Keep
sugar-sweetened beverages and foods out of your home. Limit them to holidays
and celebrations. Instead, put out a large, attractive bowl of fruit and offer
other healthy snack choices such as low-sugar Greek yogurt, raw veggies with
hummus, nut butter, whole grains such as plain popcorn, or whole corn chips
with salsa.
Get
children involved in meal planning and let them choose the fruit and vegetables
for side dishes, Bowers suggested.
Eat
as a family as often as possible. Children who see their parents eating healthy
foods are more likely to make similar choices. Don't eat in front of the
television.
Go
for walks, play ball or do other activities with your children. Give them time
to be active for 60 minutes a day and join them for at least 30 minutes, Bowers
said.
Don't
use food as a reward. Instead, reward your children with extra play time or
family activities.
Parents
need to be patient as they guide children to make better food choices and
become more active, Bowers advised.
The
news release noted government statistics show that approximately 1 in 5
school-age children in the United States is obese.
"Children
with obesity are more likely than their classmates to be teased or bullied and
to suffer from low self-esteem, social isolation and depression," said Dr.
Alka Sood, a family medicine physician with Penn State Health Medical Group.
"They
are at higher risk for other chronic health problems, including asthma, sleep
apnea, bone and joint problems and type 2 diabetes, and are more likely to be
obese as adults resulting in increased risk of heart disease and other serious
medical conditions."
More information
The American Academy of Pediatrics has more on healthy living.
SOURCE: Penn State, news release, July 25, 2018
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