Back in childhood, we all have been through the times when our mommies and grannies tried feeding us way more than what our little stomachs could accommodate. The reason being, children are supposed to be ‘healthy’ (where ‘being healthy’ denoted ‘being rotund). This very misconception is one primary reason why the number of obese people is on an alarming rise in India.

Ever found yourself pinching a plump kid’s chubby cheeks because they looked cute? This very thought drives so many parents to overfeed their children, as they try to fatten their lean and ‘weak’ kids. However, the leaner ones are found to be much more active; a reality that is brushed aside.

Weight that is more than what it should be in accordance with age and height never signifies good health. Apart from overfeeding as an expression of parental love, lack of physical activity, and frequent consumption of junk food are few other culprits in the crime. Contrary to what most of us believe, a child’s excess body fat doesn’t always ‘go away’ as he or she grows up. If conscious efforts aren’t put in to shed it off, it becomes almost certain that the child will grow to be an obese adult – which is in no way healthy.

If your kid is one of those carrying extra pounds, we follow these pediatric weight loss diet plan tips for kids!

• Lifestyle matters:
  Children generally accept what parents teach them. Make him/her understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle as well as a fit body. Show the child other kids of his age who are fitter. Then teach him the habits of a healthy lifestyle.
• Frequent and small meals work:
  Rather than feeding him heavy meals with long gaps, break the intake into parts. Give him small meals with a higher frequency. This keeps the body’s metabolism high, ensures easy digestion and also helps lose weight. Once your child gets habituated eating this way, he may not indulge in bingeing.
• Consumption of junk food must be reduced:
  Kids love junk food. On the other hand, you already know that it’s unhealthy. Keeping a child completely away from junk food is quite impossible. But you can restrict it. Allow such food once a fortnight. For the rest of the month, make him accustomed to eating healthy, home-cooked food.
• Snacks can be healthy and yummy too:
  Use your culinary skills in trying out new recipes for snacks so that he doesn’t miss junk food. This way he’ll cultivate a taste of homemade food.
• More outdoor play, less of video games:
  Most children these days are addicted to computer games, mobile apps and television. This ultimately results in less physical activity than required. As a consequence, the fitness level dips, and the body starts storing fat. Make sure your child is involved in at least two hours of outdoor physical activity every day; be it cricket, football, tennis, swimming, martial arts or simply running around the green field with friends. Not only does it help the body stay fit, it also ensures good concentration and a restful sleep. Restrict his fun with gadgets to an hour a day. These are very important tips for kids as  they have forgot playing outdoors and involved more in indoor games or mobile games.
• Rewards for being good to mommy:
  Appreciate your child for all his efforts. After all staying off junk food and computer games in childhood is no mean feat! Reward him for that. This will encourage him to stick to the lifestyle that will keep him healthy.
• Turn his break box into a treasure box:
  You are practically clueless about what your child eats during the short recess at school. In fact this is the kids’ favourite time to gang up with friends and eat all the things they should not. How can you check this? Simply by making the snack more attractive. Cook him something delicious. That way, he won’t trade it for junk food.As they say, ‘health is wealth’. The best thing you could gift your child is a healthy lifestyle. Start following the above mentioned tips for kids today and see them glowing in great health and happiness!

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