It is a well know fact that childhood obesity has become an increasingly serious problem for kids in the United States. Keeping our children healthy, and setting them up to live a full and active life is incredibly important.

Traditional “dieting” is not usually the most beneficial route for children, because it can lead to an unhealthy self-image. The best way to change a child’s weight is to monitor their meals, and to give them tasty but healthy options so that their cravings swing more towards fruits & veggies than fried & fatty. We recommend the WeightLossVillage Online Meal Plans for Kids ages 9 through teens as a great tool to help you restructure your child’s eating patterns. Since the kids are more computer savvy that their parents our online meal plans allow kids to get involved and take control of their eating habits, and to find healthy foods that they love just as much (if not more) than “junk foods.”

Additionally, encouraging and exhibiting a more active lifestyle will pay dividends down the road. Children who become interested in sports are much more likely to maintain a healthy weight throughout their life. Even if your child isn’t interested in becoming a star on the soccer field, make sure that they are spending at least as much time outside participating in active play as they do inside watching TV, playing on the computer or x-box. Even better? Set up a 2:1 ratio of physical activity versus video games and cartoons.

As a parent, your role is to lead by example as well as adding encouragement .  If your child’s eating habits need to change, working to make sure the entire family is eating healthy will make that transition easier for everyone. Where outdoor activity is concerned, come up with fun and physical games that the whole family can play. Not only will your entire family benefit from the exercise, but you’ll have a good time together!

Creating good habits at a young age will help your children grow into adults who have a better handle on their health.