Weight loss isn’t easy at any time, especially if you have kids and work full time. Something from the freezer or pantry shelf is a lot easier to fix than something from scratch, and that usually means high calorie foods.
Many people have pointed to mothers as the gender causing childhood obesity. Even if both parents work, it is often the woman who is responsible for food shopping and preparation. Therefore, theory goes, a fat child is mom’s fault.
That’s not true, as a new study shows. In fact, it shows rather the opposite. Four year olds with overweight or obese fathers tended to be overweight or obese. Those with overweight or obese mothers weren’t affected. Now, I don’t believe that to be totally the case. I think any overweight parent is going to be a problem, and to be honest, if one is, both usually are.
This changes the blame game entirely. Now it’s the problem of the couple, not just half of the team. But, let’s not play that game. Instead, let’s look at ways to fix the problem.
Exercise is important. We all know that, but it isn’t going to be any easier for the dad than it is for the mom. In fact, it could be harder. Look for something the whole family can take part in. There are several things that can be done.
One example is bike riding. Children to young to sit in a carrier seat can ride either in a cart pulled by one of the bikes or in a snuggle pack. The cart is safer, especially if a fall occurs. The carts can also be used to pull older children who are to big for the carrier seats but not ready to graduate to a bike of their own.
There are also tandem bikes. I’ve seen one that had more than two seats, including some small enough for a child of about eight or nine. This was in an article about a family that went all over the country on their bikes.
Diet is of equal importance. I hate to tell you this, but even if it is easier to get something out of your grocer’s freezer aisle or to pick up a pizza on the way home, cooking it yourself is a much better idea. It saves calories and it is a healthier way to go.
Once again, get the whole family involved. Children can set the table or perform small cooking tasks suitable to their age. If they’ve helped cook the meal, they are a lot more likely to want to eat it, especially if you consult them on the menu. They may ask for a hamburger and be thinking of fast food, but you can make an awesome burger and still have it be healthy.
It will mean a change in lifestyle for many people, but your child will see what you do…and don’t do. Children copy about eighty percent of what you do right and a hundred percent of what you do wrong, no matter what your gender. If you work together, you can have a healthy family, and avoid the scourge of childhood obesity.