Why we are slowly poisoning our Children (Part II)

Why we are slowly poisoning our Children (Part II)

The Junk and the Body

I have on occasion paid keen attention (whenever I go to a restaurant) on what adults, including parents order for the children accompanying them. Most of the time I see kids eating potato chips (French fries -with no vegetables) , a sausage(s) and lots of time soda. While the adult’s menu will have vegetable in most cases and less dangerous foods such as soups. I have also witnessed many times kids being pacified with sweets, cake and all things sugary. At such times, I want to scream.

Foods rich in sugar and fat have a high calorie content and continuous eating of such foods can lead to obesity and hence health related problems.

Fighting Child obesity (The food)

1.      Buy and serve more fruit, vegetables, beans and other legumes. These foods are low in calories, have high fibre content and they suppress hunger, hence tend to prevent over eating.

2.      When introducing new healthy foods, start with small servings. If they child is still hungry, let them ask for more. Don’t force them to eat, they’ll detest the food. If possible, pack a fruit in their lunch box as they go to school. An orange or apple will do. They are sweet and are good detoxifiers

3.      Avoid soft drinks and snacks if possible. When you have to, buy few and do not stock them up in the fridge. Today’s children prefer Cola drinks than milk! Explain the health benefits of milk (rich in calcium), and at the same time the health hazards of colas. For snacks, give your child peanuts or raw carrots to chew if they must have something when watching TV

4.      Instead of fruit juices, offer the child water more often. Water flushes out toxins and has no sugar therefore it’s a healthy drink.

5.      Involve the kids in planning healthy meals. This makes them know that it is their responsibility to eat healthily.

6.      Do not give up. Sometimes children don’t want to eat a new kind of food. Explain to them the health benefits of the food. Do not force it on them, give them time.

7.      LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Eat healthy if you want the kids to.

In our third and last series we will talk about the importance of exercise and creative and fun ways to make your kids exercise!

HAPPY PARENTING!!!