Obesity in America is not just in adults, but ten percent of all American children.  During the child’s early development, establishing healthy eating habits is important as this could end up being carried on through older years.  Creating a diet with good nutrition at an early age is key because if it is ignored it could lead to obesity.  Obesity at an early age in children could lead to health problems throughout their entire lives.

Being an example is one important way to show children how and what to eat.  If they see their parents eating junk food or snacking throughout the day, that is what they learn and believe is ok.  Having set times to eat meals and instilling healthy foods at those meal times and even talking to children how important the healthy foods are to our bodies show children how to eat and be healthy.  Limiting eating out, on the run and actually preparing and eating home cooked meals would be a great way to monitor what and how they eat.  Keeping healthy but tasty after school snacks easily available in the refrigerator is a good idea also.

Another wonderful way to avoid obesity, not only in children but in ourselves, is being active.  In the day of video games, the internet and computer games children are mostly inside and thus, inactive.  Limiting the time for these popular activities may help discipline children.  Maybe even having a family active time, like riding bikes or taking a long walk will aid in keeping them active.  Just help in any way to give children the ability to make better choices in food and activities.