Healthy Kids

As a parent, you can recognize when your child is overweight. The hard part is helping them reach a healthy weight.  We all want our kids to have a positive body image, to eat well and exercise but we know that obesisty is an epidemic in the United States and it's something we as parents need to worry about. We need to help our kids make healthy changes in their lives which means: less video games and television and more physical exercise. It means less fast food, sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks.

Here are some tips to keep your kids healthy:

1. Keep healthier snacks in the house. They will eat what you have. So, instead of cookies or candy, keep healthy snacks such as: pretzels, popcorn, fruit, veggies with dip.

2. Avoid foods high in saturated fats.

3. Increase daily activity in the house. Make it a family project to get out and exercise. Bike ride, hiking, walking, whatever the family chooses - just make it fun!

4. Keep an open line of communication between you and your child.

5. Make sure your kids eat breakfast. Always try to add cereals with high fiber.

6. Sit down for family dinners. Monitor what your kids eat.

7. Reward them for good eating habits.

8. Let your child be involved with the shopping and meal preparation. Make being healthy fun!