Diet For Overweight Children

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

With overweight or obesity, children can face serious health risks, even medical conditions that were once seen only in adults, such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. If your child is overweight, he or she may also suffer from emotional and social problems, in addition to physical problems. To do this, consult your child's doctor or a registered nutritionist before changing his diet.

Foods to avoid

If your child is overweight or obese, you should not be given foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Limiting carbs and sugary foods can also help your child lose weight. Teach your child to choose healthy foods that are not high in fat or sugar and low in nutrients.

Avoid cooking food for your child that contains fatty meats, whole milk and dairy products, and high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. Limit or eliminate sugary sodas, candies and junk treats, as well as potato chips, fries and other salty foods and snacks. Eliminating processed foods and dishes from fast food restaurants will also help you lose weight.

The foods you need to add

Provide your child with foods and snacks that are rich in fruits and vegetables. Instead of high fat and sugary foods, your child's breakfast should be a variety of healthy foods, such as whole grains and low-fat dairy products.

Provide your child with meals and snacks throughout the day that contain 6 to 11 servings of whole grains, 3 to 5 servings of vegetables, 2 to 4 servings of fruits, 2 to 3 servings of low-fat dairy products, and 2 up to 3 times a day lean meat and beans. Low fat, whole grain breads and cereals, lean meats and poultry-free meats are healthy choices for your child. Provide him with fish consumption at least twice a week.

Obesity is a growing problem in children, especially in recent years. Overweight children can suffer from a variety of chronic health problems, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, liver disease and depression. Children who are overweight or obese often face social discrimination and self-esteem problems. Children usually get overweight or obese for the same reasons as adults, mostly a poor diet, which is high in fat and lack of physical activity.

Replace sweet drinks with plenty of water throughout the day, a healthy breakfast is a must every day, store all unhealthy foods and snacks out of reach of your home. Eating at the table instead of watching TV can also promote healthy eating.

You should encourage your child to eat only during the planned meals and snacks. Pack a healthy lunch for your child if the menu on the school chair has too many unhealthy products. Also, do not limit your overall calorie intake unless you are a pediatrician or dietitian advised not to do so.