With the rare exception, going back to school is not something which our kids eagerly anticipate. I know mine is already grumbling about the idea of having to do homework again! For most, going back to school is a simple inconvenience, but for kids with weight problems it can be a scary proposition. While bullying in our schools is prohibited, that doesn’t truly stop it from happening. Additionally, physical education classes can be more challenging for overweight kids, both physically and emotionally. Helping our children maintain or obtain a healthy body weight or obtain a healthy body weight is important for both their health and social experiences.
The Weight-Control Information Network has an excellent publication, Helping Your Overweight Child, which discusses things parents can do to promote a healthy body weight in our children.
Encourage Healthy Eating Habits. Today’s society is typically not conducive to healthy eating. While school systems are now under a mandate to provide healthier menus, the availability of unhealthy food choices and sugary drinks persists. Food advertisements on television generally promote less-than-healthy options, fast food items are still too high in fat, and portion sizes are still too large. This food environment to which kids are exposed can easily lead to consumption of excess calories and excess weight gain. To combat this, it is important to help our children make healthier food choices. Some ideas you can adopt include:
In addition to reaching a healthy body weight, dietary supplements can help ensure that our children get all the nutrients they need while developing healthier eating habits. Some important supplements to consider include a good multivitamin, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics.
Multivitamin/Multimineral. A good multivitamin/multimineral is the easiest way to ensure our children meet their minimum daily needs of the essential micronutrients. Many overweight children consume foods high in calories, but low in nutrients. A good multivitamin/multimineral can help them overcome any nutrient deficiencies they have developed due to their current eating habits.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have been reported to have many health benefits for children. In addition to supporting heart health, omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to support memory health, a definite benefit for kids going back to school. In addition to these benefits, studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids might support healthy weight loss in both children and adults.
Probiotics… Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, like one would find in yogurt. Research has suggested that not only does being overweight alter the bacteria naturally found in our digestive tract, but that manipulation of these gut bacteria with probiotics might support healthy weight loss.
nutraMetrix® Might-A-Mins contains 12 vitamins and 10 essential minerals, along with phytonutrients from a proprietary blend of fruits and vegetables. With this formula, your children can enjoy the benefits of fruits and vegetables daily, without them even knowing or complaining about them. Also added to the formula is a special blend of probiotics, which are good bacteria, essential for proper digestion. Iron has been eliminated from the Might-A-Mins formula due to its potential toxicity http://bit.ly/XrtQxG
nutraMetrix® Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3 contains ideal amounts of specific omega 3 fatty acids, which support your child’s brain health and immune function. Kids will like the delicious liquid-like emulsion because they won’t have to take hard-to-swallow pills; adults will like it because it allows for enhanced absorption and bioavailability for optimal absorption. http://bit.ly/R6j9hl
nutraMetrix Might-A-Mins Spectrum Probiotics promotes healthy digestion in children by providing beneficial bacteria to support a healthy GI tract, while also promoting a healthy immune system.* http://bit.ly/TBqdRA
http://www.HealthyAzKids.com
The Weight-Control Information Network has an excellent publication, Helping Your Overweight Child, which discusses things parents can do to promote a healthy body weight in our children.
Encourage Healthy Eating Habits. Today’s society is typically not conducive to healthy eating. While school systems are now under a mandate to provide healthier menus, the availability of unhealthy food choices and sugary drinks persists. Food advertisements on television generally promote less-than-healthy options, fast food items are still too high in fat, and portion sizes are still too large. This food environment to which kids are exposed can easily lead to consumption of excess calories and excess weight gain. To combat this, it is important to help our children make healthier food choices. Some ideas you can adopt include:
- Start each day with a healthy breakfast.
- Serve more fruits and vegetables, both at meals and for snacks.
- Drink water and low-fat milk rather than sugary beverages.
- Limit dietary fat intake by serving leaner meats and low-fat dairy products.
- Plan family activities –walks, bike rides, or recreational sports.
- Encourage your child to join a team sport.
- Set limits on time spent watching TV, playing video games, and other sedentary habits.
- Assign chores that require physical activity.
In addition to reaching a healthy body weight, dietary supplements can help ensure that our children get all the nutrients they need while developing healthier eating habits. Some important supplements to consider include a good multivitamin, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics.
Multivitamin/Multimineral. A good multivitamin/multimineral is the easiest way to ensure our children meet their minimum daily needs of the essential micronutrients. Many overweight children consume foods high in calories, but low in nutrients. A good multivitamin/multimineral can help them overcome any nutrient deficiencies they have developed due to their current eating habits.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have been reported to have many health benefits for children. In addition to supporting heart health, omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to support memory health, a definite benefit for kids going back to school. In addition to these benefits, studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids might support healthy weight loss in both children and adults.
Probiotics… Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, like one would find in yogurt. Research has suggested that not only does being overweight alter the bacteria naturally found in our digestive tract, but that manipulation of these gut bacteria with probiotics might support healthy weight loss.
nutraMetrix® Might-A-Mins contains 12 vitamins and 10 essential minerals, along with phytonutrients from a proprietary blend of fruits and vegetables. With this formula, your children can enjoy the benefits of fruits and vegetables daily, without them even knowing or complaining about them. Also added to the formula is a special blend of probiotics, which are good bacteria, essential for proper digestion. Iron has been eliminated from the Might-A-Mins formula due to its potential toxicity http://bit.ly/XrtQxG
nutraMetrix® Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3 contains ideal amounts of specific omega 3 fatty acids, which support your child’s brain health and immune function. Kids will like the delicious liquid-like emulsion because they won’t have to take hard-to-swallow pills; adults will like it because it allows for enhanced absorption and bioavailability for optimal absorption. http://bit.ly/R6j9hl
nutraMetrix Might-A-Mins Spectrum Probiotics promotes healthy digestion in children by providing beneficial bacteria to support a healthy GI tract, while also promoting a healthy immune system.* http://bit.ly/TBqdRA
http://www.HealthyAzKids.com
