Sometimes simple changes are enough. Switch to non-fat milk, reduce potion sizes, eat nutritious snacks. Eat at the table, don’t overeat in front of the TV. Healthy weight loss tips for kids include an emphasis on eating right and playing daily as a way of life. Losing pounds is only necessary when a child has reached adult height, otherwise just stop children from gaining more pounds. Growing bodies need proper nutrition so don’t eliminate any of the food groups.
Unhealthy foods to remove from the diet are hamburger, sausage, bacon, fast food, sodas, french fries, cookies and chips. Replace with healthy foods like seafood, chicken, turkey, beans, peanut butter, soy. Serve fruits and vegetables at every meal and they should be available for snacks at any times.
Step two is portion control. Eat smaller meals with regular snacks to satisfy hunger. Serve breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, and a snack. Snacks can be fruits, vegetables with hummus dip, yogurt, cheese, whole grain waffles or rice cakes with peanut butter, home made smoothies from nonfat yogurt, eggs in tortillas, whole grain cereal with low fat milk.
For young children, introduce new foods and snacks, slowly eliminating the not so healthy choices. Increase exercise by introducing new games. Go on family walks or bike rides, or play interactive Wii games. Other activities that may spark their interest are jump ropes, trampolines, rollerskating, more time spent at the park or swimming.
Older children need to feel in control. They need information, encouragement, and motivation. Parents lead by example. Only healthy foods should be available in the pantry. Older children may be embarrassed about their body size, not wanting to work out in a public gym. A treadmill can be a good investment that serves the whole family. Family activities like walks, bike rides, and Wii games can be fun for all. Consider purchasing a trampoline or a basketball hoop for the backyard.
A nutritionist can help determine the correct target weight and help to set and reach goals. To determine bone structure have your child wrap his thumb and middle finger around the other wrist. If the fingertips touch, that’s medium bone structure. If they overlap, your child has a small frame, and if they don’t meet, your child is big boned.
If your child continues to gain pounds or is obese, ask your doctor for weight loss tips for kids. There may be a program for children at a local hospital or clinic. If you’re not making progress at home, consider a weight loss camp. Most are designed to be fun with lots of swimming and hiking. Your child won’t be embarrassed participating. The key is to develop lifelong habits of eating well, and finding an activity that will be engaging and fun, not a lifetime spent trying to muster enough willpower.