Tips on Beating Obesity in Your Children
Over the past 10 years, the news on childhood obesity in the UK has been depressing, with forecasts that, by 2050, as many as 90 per cent of children could be overweight or obese, leading to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. But at last there’s cause for optimism. The latest research shows that the tide could finally be turning. Predictions for 2020 show that the number of obese children aged 2-11 are down by nine per cent, and 28 per cent among teens. So what’s making the difference and how can you help your child to eat more healthily?
Government and health service initiatives all appear to be having a positive influence. The 5-A-Day scheme, which encourages families to eat more fruit and veg and the Food Standards Agency’s traffic light system, which labels food according to its fat, sugar and salt content, are pointing people in the right direction when it comes to making healthier food choices. And the Government’s Change4Life campaign has definitely seen many parents looking at not only their own lifestyles and eating habits, but also those of their children.
As Change4Life advocates, just making a few small changes to your child’s diet could make all the difference.
Top tips include:
Sugar Swaps – swap to sugar-free or no-added-sugar products.
Me Size Meals – keep an eye on meal sizes and serve little ones kid-sized portions.
Meal Times – eat three meals a day and you’ll be less likely to snack.
Cut Back Fat – check food labels and opt for low-fat products, grill rather than fry food and trim off any excess fat.
Snack Check – lots of snacks are high in calories, fat, sugar and salt, so offer healthier alternatives such as products from your local supermarket’s own healthier food range.