by Vani Garg

Created on: August 15, 2011   Last Updated: October 30, 2011

"The wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings. Let food be your medicine." – Hippocrates

In the modern times, this age old statement stands vindicated by the recent WHO report which says that obesity among preteens and adolescents is on a steep rise. Children, fed on a diet of junk food, are increasingly finding themselves overweight for their age, and risking themselves to a host of health disorders including high cholesterol, unhealthy BP, heart and liver ailments, and even lifestyle diseases like PCOS (poly cystic ovarian disorder). Besides being overweight also implies lack in concentration, fatigue induced by only a little physical activity and a poor self-image.

So what should be done to encourage children to adopt healthy eating habits?

1. The most important first rule is to- "start early and start now!". Yes, the sooner your child inculcates healthy eating habit, the better. Research indicates that preteens with good eating habits are more likely to follow them later in their life than those preteens who consumed large portions of junk food. In the words of Allineare ,"When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no 'I’ll start tomorrow.' Tomorrow is disease."

2. Be a model for them- A child would ape his parents. So it makes sense to adopt a healthy lifestyle yourself in order to make the younger generation see the benefits of it. Staying away and abstaining yourself from junk food would also convince your kid to exercise restraint for the simple logic-'if you can do, so can he'!

3. Make the meals interesting- If you keep variety and surprise in your cooked meals, there would be nothing to stop your child from loving it! Yes, rather than heading to the neighbourhood MacDonalds' for a hamburger, he would be staying home for a delightful satisfying meal. And he will love it! Remember the rule well when you pack your child's lunch box too because most unhealthy snacking habits are acquired from eating outside from school cafeterias etc.

4. Keep handy and healthy snacks- Over-snacking in between meals is the culprit behind making 'couch potatoes' out of adolescents. Children gorging on unhealthy snacks are sure to put on weight. Then how to take care of the 6 o' clock hunger pangs? the key lies in 'healthy' snacking. Keep fresh fruits, low fat yogurts, and vegetables at home. Use them for toppings on your sandwiches or just munch on them. Also check serving size information to avoid over eating. The

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>