How can I help my child to lose weight ?

A family that eats together eats better, according to a recent study in the journal Archives of Family Medicine. The study showed that children who report frequent family dinners have healthier diets than their peers who don't.

Here are some of the ways that you can help your child to lose weight and stay healthy:

  1. A healthy breakfast will put your family on a healthy track for the rest of the day. Start the day off right with a good breakfast. A bowl of low-sugar cereal with low-fat milk, low-fat yogurt with a granola or breakfast bar, or an English muffin with peanut butter, would be an ideal quick breakfast for your child.
  2. Parents can be a good role model for their children and can help their children stay fit. Line your refrigerator and pantry with ready to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, or low-fat cheese so that they can grab and eat.
  3. Use positive words and phrases when talking with your kid. Take them to the park and exercise with them. Eat healthily and focus on the foods that you should be limiting in house.
  4. Make healthy eating a family affair. Create family meals together and for the entire family. Do not single out an overweight family member with special diet food.  Your entire family can benefit from healthy eating regardless of weight.
  5. Fill up on salads and cooked vegetables at meals. Avoid portion distortions by serving the food rather than a buffet which potentially can be responsible for overeating. Give your child a child-sized portion. Second helpings should be avoided if possible.
  6. Introduce the physical activity. If an affordable child can join a dance class or can enrol in some sports activity. You can also turn on some dance music and dance with your child at home to make it a fun activity. Go for a half-hour walk and make it an activity that kids look forward to after dinner.
  7. Stay positive and be supportive. Set realistic goals. It can be hard to change the lifestyle at times, but it is definitely possible to lose weight if you keep your motivation high and keep trying.
  8. Consult your pediatrician for more expert advice if required.