It is never too early to encourage good habits in our daily lives. Studies show that children who have obesity are more likely to have obesity as adults.
For this reason, we have put together some recommendations for parents who want to help their children lead a healthier life with a better quality of life.
- Reduce screen time and increase physical activity
It is recommended that children and adolescents engage in around 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. So, try making an agreement with your children: balance TV time with 30 minutes of walking or an outdoor activity. Over time, you will find an activity that your children enjoy the most, and this time may even increase.
- Keep healthy snacks within reach
Choose a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, with fewer “fast food” options. Keep these healthier snacks visible and easily accessible. This way, children can choose healthier snack options instead of processed foods.
- Limit the consumption of sugary drinks
When children drink soft drinks or processed juices, they end up consuming a lot of sugar. Therefore, it is important to have healthy alternatives at home. Keep bottles of water or sparkling water (or water with fruit) nearby as substitutes.
- Make healthy habits fun
Invite children to help in the kitchen when preparing healthier meals so that they can learn alongside you.
Helping and educating children about healthy habits can encourage them to maintain these habits into adulthood, thereby reducing the risk of disease.
Source: AICR – American Institute for Cancer Research
