Keep Your Kids from Childhood Obesity

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Robin Decker-Kite came to the NEWS 9 studio with some ways to make sure you keep your kids active and fit before obesity sets in.

Healthy Eating Habits

Good eating habits start young. If the whole family consumes more fruits and vegetables, children will be more likely to eat them as well. Some great ideas that may spark your child's interest in eating healthy are:

• Plan shopping trips to the local farmer's market

• Visit a farm where fruits and vegetables are grown

• Start your own home garden

• Involve your child in the preparation and make it fun

• Pack snacks like celery, carrots, and cucumbers that will satisfy their craving without the sugar and salt they don't need.

• Additionally, pack healthy lunches for kids, give them variety, and present them in interesting ways to encourage them to eat well.

Physical Activity

Healthy diets aside, encourage everyone in your family to exercise 30 minutes to an hour at least three times a week. Encourage your child to be more physically active by scheduling a family walk time in your neighborhood before or after dinner. This can be a great opportunity for the family to bond and exercise at the same time. Get your child more interested in sports by signing him or her up for a sporting activity that he or she picks out. Show your child the importance of being physically active now and they will likely spend more time outside than hours sitting in front of the TV or computer monitor.

Children may lose sight of their New Year's resolutions every now and then. If that happens, don't fret. It's normal, even in adults. Just be sure to guide the child to keep healthy dietary habits and be physically active.