Obesity In Young Children – How To Fight With Diet?

Obesity is rampant among kids in the present era on account of unhealthy dietary patterns. Also, kids are more interested in video gaming than running about on a playground. As such, the level of physical activity has drastically reduced. All these factors have severely affected young children.  Obesity in children leaves them vulnerable to a number of conditions including stunted growth, blockage in blood vessels and many more grave ailments.

Causes Of Childhood Obesity And Diet Tips For Obesity

As one of the major causes of obesity is an unhealthy diet, modifications in the dietary regime of kids can be of immense significance. Parents must keep a check on the diet of their children and also make necessary alterations in their diet, so as to fight obesity.

Here are a few diet tips to combat obesity:

• Kids must be given whole grain cereals in breakfast, rather than refined and fortified cereals. Whole grain cereals are very high in fiber content and thereby lead to bowel distension and prevent constipation.
• They must not be given junk foods like pizzas and burgers. These foods are almost nil in nutritional content and high in calories and as such, are a major cause of obesity.
• Kids must be stopped from drinking carbonated drinks such as colas. Also, their intake of juices and syrups with artificial flavors and sweetening agents must be restricted. Instead, children should be given natural juices with no additives.
• Obese kids should drink a lot of water as water helps in burning fats, thereby assisting in weight loss.
• Fruits are low in calories and are also a rich source of minerals.  They are essential for normal growth and the development of the body. Hence, it is recommended that children suffering from obesity should have one whole meal comprising of a variety of fruits rather than consuming fruits only as snacks.
• Green leafy vegetables are also low in calorie content and rich in vitamins and minerals. Kids are recommended to eat a lot of vegetables as a part of their regular dietary regime.
• Children should be given more frequent meals with smaller portions of food instead of the traditional three meals a day.
• Non vegetarian foods are rich in fats and cholesterol. So, it is advisable that the intake of non vegetarian foods must be restricted in children’s diet.
• Kids must not be given canned and processed foods.
• You may include organic foods in the diet of your kids to combat obesity.
• This dietary regime should be coupled with regular exercise for best results.