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As the demands are rising for unhealthy foods, families are becoming more dependent on it. And all of this results in a very common problem nowadays: obesity. This problem doesn't just exist in adults, but in children as well. Obesity among children has reached epidemic proportions in several countries. Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease are just some of the complications obesity brings. Though genetics play a great role behind childhood obesity, eating too much and exercising too little is another factor. The steps given below will help parents fight together with their children to battle against obesity.
Step 1:

Serve more vegetables and fruits. There are so many delicious menus of veggies and fruits that you can prepare for your children. You can also include fruits and vegetables in their lunch boxes to be sure that they are eating healthy at school.

Step 2:

Limit the intake of soft drinks, sweetened beverages and snacks high in fat and sugar. Obviously, these things will make you more prone to diabetes. If you're drinking about 20 ounces of soda every day, then you must at least cut that intake in half.

Step 3:

Use lower in fat cooking methods. This may include boiling, steaming or baking, instead of frying.

Step 4:

Prepare and serve smaller portions.

Step 5:

Do not use food as a reward or a bribe. You may ask children what they want as a reward.

Step 6:

Do not let your children skip a meal. Skipping it may result in overeating.

Step 7:

Sit at the dining table to eat. If your child will be eating in front of the television or computer they may be more encouraged to eat more and maybe less aware that they're already full.

Step 8:

Encourage your child to do more physical activity. This may include bike riding, basketball, jumping rope, tennis, volleyball or swimming.

Step 9:

Monitor the media. Give them a specific time when they should start and stop watching television, using the computer and playing video games.

Step 10:

Spare some active family bonding time together. This may be going to the zoo, swimming or playing in the park.

Step 11:

Assign active chores to your children. This will lessen your burden and assign discipline to your children as well.

Step 12:

Be a good model. Set a good example with healthy eating and exercise.

Nutritionists do not recommend getting children on a strict diet since this may compromise their physical growth and health. A healthy diet with exercise helps to fight obesity. We should make healthful habits as our top priority since this will become a way of life for our children, carrying over into adulthood. I hope that this may bring encouragement to parents.

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