Broccoli, asparagus and Brussels sprouts are just some of the vegetables commonly disliked by children. While having preferences is a normal part of discovering new foods and asserting independence, problems arise when children take a strong dislike to anything healthy.
Now more than ever, there are plenty of unhealthy products gracing store shelves and marketed for children. It seems that advances in processed food and entertainment technology which tempts children to stay indoors are taking their toll on young waistlines everywhere.
Statistics show that childhood obesity is on the rise in most parts of the world. In the US, the number of overweight adolescents has tripled since 1980, while childhood obesity rates rose by more than three per cent in two years in Thailand.
Unfortunately, the UAE is no exception. Studies show that children here are also subject to weight prpoblems. One, published in the Annals of Human Biology in 2005, found that in the UAE, obesity rates among teenage boys and girls are almost three times international levels.
Obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases. A study released earlier this year found that a child with a large waist circumference was three times more likely to have high cholesterol, and nearly four times as likely to have a high fasting insulin level – a risk factor for diabetes. Until very recently, these were both health conditions not normally seen until much later in life.
In the UAE, the statistics have not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year the Ministry of Health and Unicef launched a campaign to fight childhood obesity called The Fat Truth.
The second phase of the campaign, to start early next year, will be directed at schools to raise awareness of the consequences of childhood obesity and to encourage healthy eating among pupils and parents.
While it is never too late to teach healthy eating habits, the earlier you start the better. Whether or not your children are overweight, it is important to educate them from a young age.
Studies show that eating and lifestyle habits learned in the early years tend to set the tone for choices later in the life. Sure, getting your kids to eat their greens is no easy feat, but the following tried and true methods are bound to get them on the right track.
Get the children involved
Children like to have choices, so include them when buying and preparing food. In the kitchen, select age-appropriate tasks so they can contribute to the meal. Discussing food preferences is another way to promote healthy eating habits by helping them to make positive changes.
Family meals
Don’t underestimate the power of eating meals as a family. A study released earlier this year found that 12-year-olds who ate more than five meals a week with their families showed healthier eating habits five years later, than those who did not. The study found that children who regularly ate with their families ate less fast food and more vegetables, fibre, calcium and iron.
Stock up on healthy food
Children, especially young ones, will eat what is available to them at home. If there’s junk food in the house, it will inevitably replace healthier food that they should be eating. Healthy food choices begin at the supermarket, so choose carefully. Instead of junk food, choose brightly coloured fruits and vegetables and whole-grain cereal.
Oversized portions are a common culprit for weight gain. Teach children about appropriate helpings by encouraging them to measure out a serving before they start eating. Having a visual reference of a proper portion will help set healthy habits for later in life.
Be a role model
A study published this year in the International Journal of Obesity found that obese parents were far more likely to have obese children. Researchers found that girls with obese mothers were 10 times more likely to be obese, while boys with obese fathers were six times more likely to be obese. Teach by example.
All in moderation
Perhaps one of the most important lessons you can teach children is how to enjoy all foods in moderation. Taking an all-or-nothing stance when it comes to junk food often backfires. Learning how to indulge in small doses is a much more sustainable approach.
source: thenational.ae
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