If you are struggling to keep your child at a healthy weight, don’t get discouraged. There are things you can do to help. Obesity is a growing problem, and we should do everything we can to keep our families healthy. Here are some simple tips for how to get your child to lose weight.
1) Show by Doing
Children mimic their parents, so if you consciously tell yourself to be a healthy role model, then you will see big changes. Take a look around and pay attention to what kind of snacks you have. Are they chips, candy, and other good-tasting but not-so-healthy items? Try to stock up on better snacks such as fruits and vegetables – even if you don’t like them.
Build healthier options into your household, and force yourself to eat them if you have to. Your children will follow suit and start eating better as well. Adding fruits and veggies into your daily routine will make a difference.
2) How to Get Your Child to Lose Weight – Use Positive Phrases
Your kids will listen to how you talk and react to it. Try to avoid negative phrases like, “you need to lose weight” or “you shouldn’t eat that – it’s bad for you.” Build positive language into your interactions. You could say, “Would you like to get healthy with me?”, “Let’s go outside and play.”, or “Let’s make a salad together for lunch.” Being positive instead of negative will improve the relationship around healthy living and will even make it fun.
3) Everyone Eats the Same Meal
I talk to a lot of families that make several meals a day for different family members. If you have a child that’s overweight, then plan a meal accordingly and have everyone eat the same meal together. You don’t want to have one person eating a greasy burger while another is eating a salad. This will get your entire family on the same page, and everyone will benefit from getting healthier.
4) How to Get Your Child to Lose Weight – Make Plates for Everyone
Try to avoid having a big bowl of food that everyone scoops from. This will allow for portion control and you’ll be able to serve the same amount to the family. Choose one person from your family to make plates for everyone and instruct them to get the amounts as close as possible. Use the remaining food for leftovers instead of seconds – if you can.
5) Have a Good Breakfast
Everyone knows that breakfast is an important meal. Not only does it boost your metabolism, but it also gets your day started off right – if you choose the right foods. Eggs, Greek yogurt, fruit, and granola are all good choices. Try to avoid sugary cereals. I know it’s convenient, but it won’t do your kids any favors if they need to lose weight. I like to make hard-boiled eggs for the week, then they are ready to go every morning.
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6) How to Get Your Child to Lose Weight – Exercise Together
Pick a specific time and an activity that everyone likes. For example, you can go for a walk every day after school – as a family. If this isn’t an option, then maybe you could talk to your child about joining a sports team or a class that they would enjoy. Diet is only one aspect of getting your children to lose weight, so try to make physical activity a priority as well.
7) Don’t Give Up
It’s easy to try this list for a week or two, realize it’s difficult or you aren’t seeing any changes, then going back to the old routine. Keep telling yourself that this will work – but it’s definitely not easy. There may even be some arguments. Once you implement these changes and stick with them, everyone will be happier and healthier so don’t give up!