Diet

Childhood obesity

October 19, 2012
Causes

Many factors contribute to the growing problem of childhood obesity. It can be a family tendency. This may be due in parts to genetics, but it’s also mostly related to lifestyle. Most children are not active enough, watch too much television and are not eating properly. In Canada, it’s estimated that a quarter of children are overweight and two-thirds of school-age children don’t get enough exercise to optimize their development. Lack of time is often at the heart of the reasons given by children and parents to explain the low levels of physical activity.

Did you know you are entitled to an amount for children fitness of up to $ 500 per year per child for expenses paid during the year when you enroll your child in a physical activity after school? That’s one more reason to encourage your child to be active!
 
Some tips
  • In a leaflet published by the Montreal Children’s Hospital, Dr. Legault, pediatric endocrinologist, provides the following recommendations:
  • It’s best to breastfeed from birth. It’s a great way to avoid excessive weight gain in infants.
  • If the child is gaining weight too quickly, you can use 2% milk from the age of 2.
  • Not enough time to practice sports with your children? Enroll them in sports or play groups.
  • To prevent your children coming home from school and crashing in front of the TV or computer, encourage them to participate in after-school activities
  • Avoid serving and purchasing drinks and snacks high in sugar, which can easily represent 25% of the calories you need in one day
  • Make sure treats are not easily available in the home and avoid buying unhealthy foods (chocolates, chips, candy…). On Halloween, it’s good to set a deadline for getting rid of the collected candy to avoid temptation all year long.
  • Make it clear to your child that food should be consumed during meals and you can’t snack throughout the day
Some basic rules to follow
  • Experts recommend that children spend a minimum of 60 minutes being moderately or intensely active to maximize their chances of staying healthy and maintaining good fitness and a healthy weight.
  • Offer your child a variety of healthy foods that is attractive, good for them and comes from all food groups so they can make the right choices.
  • Don’t forbid the wrong foods. Instead, take the opportunity to teach your children what foods can be eaten every day and which foods should be eaten occasionally.
  • Try to set a good example by following what you preach: remember, you are their role model and they will try to imitate your choices.
Links
Sources
Image de Mariem Melainine
To know more
Eating out as a family

The mere thought of cooking dinner for the family making you dizzy? Pack up the kids and choose a restaurant that fits your needs, with low prices and a nice family atmosphere.

Eating with fingers, a spoon, a fork and a knife

They start off by eating everything with their little hands. But eventually, they will be able to manipulate utensils like a big kid! Here are some pointers on the proper timing to start introducing forks and spoons.

My child used to eat, but not anymore…

What can we do when our child refuses to eat? Breathe and watch! Our nutritionist explains.

My child is a picky eater

If they gave in to their child’s every whim, some parents would build a menu around chicken nuggets, spaghetti and... chicken nuggets!


This week
Ear infections, antibiotics, and prevention

Becoming a parent also means being acquainted with several small infections encountered during our own childhood. Ear infections are numerous and can leave you having lots of questions. We try to respond to the most frequent ones.

My child is often absentminded!

Do you find yourself often repeating phrases like "Hello? Is anyone there?" ? If so, it seems that your child is often absentminded. Here's how to help your distracted children stay concentrated.

A teenager’s bedroom

Your teenager's bedroom is a disaster. You even invented new words to describe this horrendous place where food and clothes seem to blend into a new kind of carpet but your child doesn't seem to mind. What can you do?

My child is smelly!

Your child is now 6 years old. The innocence of childhood still shines brightly in his or her eyes but… they're smelly! When your child gets hot, you scrunch your nose and smell a tinge of sweat. Are they too young for deodorant?