Childhood obesity has tripled over the past 20 years in North America. Help your kids break that cycle.

Here are some ideas to help kids establish a pattern for a healthy lifestyle:

1 Lead by example. If mom and dad are active, watch minimal t.v. and eat healthy choices the kids will follow.

2. Talk with your kids about what foods are healthy choices and what foods are unhealthy.  Avoid making foods “good” or “bad”  It is either going to fuel your body or not.  You don’t have to give up your favorite foods to eat healthy, just eat them in moderation.

3. Let kids decide what’s for dinner by letting them pick a recipe from a healthy cooking magazine. The gorgeous pictures are enough to make even the most hesitant cook want to make something new. Kids are more likely to try new foods and they will learn to enjoy cooking too.

4. Limit or eliminate unhealthy snacks from the fridge or pantry.  Have fresh fruit out on the counter, and fresh veggies in see through containers in the fridge.

5.Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast should include protein and plenty of fiber. Studies show that children who eat breakfast perform better on cognitive tests and in school.

6. Don’t bribe, nag, or reward children for eating certain foods or to “clean their plate.”   Don’t ever use food for reward.

7. Skip the sodas.  Liquid calories aren’t good for any body.  Our dentist keeps a Mountain Dew bottle with 12 Tbsp of sugar in it as a visual for kids.  It worked. We maybe have soda 2 or 3 times a year.

Children as well as adults need about 50 nutrients daily for body growth, maintenance, and repair. With the focus on variety of foods, pure water, sunshine and fresh air, exercise and quality nighttime sleep we can help our children make the right choices they need to continue to live a healthy life. Live life! It’s Fun!