How to get a child to lose weight is a problem many parents are facing today.
In the age of internet, tablets, computers, game consoles, and smart phones getting
a child interested and motivated to exercise and be active is difficult.
Children are looking for constant entertainment, and from their point of view, exercise
is not entertaining.
A child should be drawn to activity through a game, so he or she does not even notice
that they are exercising, only that they are having fun.
So, how to get a child to exercise and lose weight without them noticing it?
Proper Nutrition
Photo: capitalotc.com
First thing that needs to be taken care of is what the child eats.
No amount of exercise will make a difference if they are still eating too much and
unhealthy meals.
Here is where parents should take charge.
Since the child does not earn money, they do not go shopping nor do they cook their meals.
Therefore parents should take control and lower the intake of unhealthy snacks, and start
making healthier snacks.
But even healthy snacks should be taken in certain amounts, so make sure they do not eat
too much.
During the day, parents should make sure the child has something to keep their mind occupied,
so they do not think a lot about food.
Plenty of Fluids
Photo: isotherm.co.za
Since children are growing and developing, they need a lot of fluids to help them become strong
and stay healthy.
Parents should make sure their children are drinking enough water, and avoid beverages such
as sodas and store bought juices.
These drinks contain too much sugar and very little, if any healthy substances such as vitamins.
On the other hand, water regenerates the skin, helps burn fat and hydrates the body, so you
have more energy.
Children should drink around eight glasses of water each day.
Trampoline Fitness
Photo: boingcentral.com.au
A great way to get a child to secretly lose a few pounds is through games and playing.
All kids love to jump on a trampoline.
In just 10 minutes of jumping one loses as many calories as if they were running for half an hour.
There is an option of getting your own trampoline, but a child will eventually lose interest and it
will end up in a basement or sold.
Also, these trampolines are not entirely safe and a child might get hurt.
Therefore, it is best for children to be taken to a special fitness centre where they will be monitored
by professionals.
Such centers can also be a great party venue for kids, which is very popular lately, and also very useful.
Numerous games can be played on trampolines and they are all very popular with children.
Hula-Hoops
Photo: inside.akronchildrens.org
Girls especially love to play with hula-hoops.
They will get your child in motion and improve coordination and rhythm.
You can get one for yourself as well, and exercise together.
Yoga Ball
Photo: fitnessrepublic.com
Yoga ball can be very inspiring for children, and you can even get them to mimic some
of your own exercises.
Show them a few moves and challenge them to repeat them as many times as they can,
which will improve their balance and stability.
Jump Rope
Photo: geospaceplay.com
Jump ropes are fun and no child will see it as a means of exercise.
Get one for yourself as well, and organize a jump rope race, whoever wins, gets a healthy
snack as a reward.
While you are jumping, the fat will gradually disappear.
Nature Walks
Photo: healtista.com
If possible, take the entire family on a field trip.
Go for a nature walk, since the fresh air and moderate activity will be beneficial for all
family members.
Bring a lot of water and some healthy snacks and fresh fruit.
You will all feel refreshed and the pounds will drop unnoticeably.
Sports and Dances
Photo: sd23.bc.ca
Most boys prefer to play sports, while girls love to dance.
If you notice that your child is interested in a particular sport or that they dance for fun,
enroll them into a dancing school or let them join a team, no matter how much they weight.
These activities are great for losing weight, and they have other benefits as well.
In the end, you should be aware that some of the responsibility is on you, and you need to
take care of your child’s health.
From my own experience, I was extremely worried during my daughter’s first years of life,
but I followed these simple rules and was persistent at it.
Today my daughter is older and can tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy food
and snacks, and takes good care of what she eats, and she is very happy.
So be mindful and persistent and it will all fall into place.
Photo: cha-am-resorts.com
About the Author:
Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She loves cooking, baking, sewing, spending quality time with her daughters and she’s passionate in writing. She is contributor on High Style Life and her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.” Find her on Facebook.
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