JUST PUPPY FAT?
from The Hazelbrook PS Newsletter
It is true that children get very hungry just before a growth spurt. They do naturally put on weight in readiness for the extra height. Therefore the food that they consume in readiness for new growth needs to be the most nutritious available. Not all excess body fat on children is “just puppy fat”. Childhood obesity is becoming so prevalent that one in every five Australian children is clinically obese. Overeating, lack of exercise & “junk” food all contribute to the dilemma of childhood obesity. Junk food does not serve the body well. If you put poor quality fuel in your car it will break down. Why do we continue to expect that our bodies will run on poor fuel?
Establishing good eating habits in quality & quantity of food & appropriate dining areas is highly essential while parents still have enough control over their children’s diet. Cut lunches, no money taken to school & not having the “junk” in your larder are all ways to be certain that your child eats good quality food.
I have stated time & again that fresh fruit & vegetables, lean protein, nuts, unrefined grains ( not just wheat either) in moderation & fresh filtered water should make up 99% of our diet. Our bodies have to work so hard at trying to assimilate “junk” food. The poor quality “fuel” makes us lethargic in the long term & has children “ coming off the walls” in the short term. No wonder immunities are low & conditions such as asthma, eczema, bronchitis, allergies & chronic colds are prevalent. Poor quality food increases the breathing rate. So does any food in excess. Increase in breathing rate leads to a myriad of disorders like the ones previously mentioned & many more.
Children can safely “graze” on celery & carrot sticks, dried fruit & nuts, even an extra sandwich but if you let them snack on processed foods full of fat, sugar & refined wheat there is grave danger of establishing lifelong bad habits & a body that reflects the indulgence.
Rewarding children with “treat” food is not a good habit. Neither is associating healthy activities like going for a walk, swim, trip to the park ( unless specifically for a picnic) etc with food. Eating in front of television, computer or in bed are not good habits either. These habits lead to food obsessions. The advertisements on television do not help either.
Lastly, children will take their cues from you. If you are careful with your diet your children will be more likely to follow suit.