The Facts about Childhood Obesity
Healthy Habits for Healthy Weights
What You Can Do To Help Promote Healthy Habits
You are the most important person and role model in your child’s life. Don’t single out a child based on his weight. Kids of all shapes and sizes need to follow good eating and physical activity habits. Here are some healthy tips to try with your family:
Enjoy healthy eating
- Never use food as a reward, restrict food or take food away as punishment.
- Offer healthy choices and allow your child to choose how much to eat.
- Follow Canada’s Food Guide for meal and snack planning. Allow kids to enjoy less nutritious foods sometimes.
- Eat together often as a family.
- Choose water, milk and a limited amount of 100% juice.
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Be active and have fun everyday
- Ask your child what activities or sports he would like to do.
- Provide opportunities for your child to be active at home, outside or at the park.
- Be active as a family – let your kids see that you’re active too.
- Limit TV, video games and recreational computer time to less than 2 hours a day.
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Boost self-esteem
- Focus on your child’s strengths and abilities.
- Don’t talk about weight in front of your children. Never tell a child that he is ‘on a diet’ or is ‘too fat’. Avoid comparing your child to others.
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Take small steps to promote healthy habits. Use this site to find more ideas.
What is Obesity?