When I write about children’s health issues my hubby (he is a Pediatrician and a pediatric nutritionist ) helps me with all the research.
This time while writing the #Daily chatter challenge he suggested I start writing about childhood obesity.
The last 10 days of festivities and good food made writing about healthy diet difficult.
But now when we are taking a break before Diwali it’s going to be easier to write healthy.
While eating during festivals if you don’t want to lose the results of all your hard work ,it’s important to practice moderation.
Now with Bijoya Dashami sweets ,Lakshmi pujo and Kali pujo/Diwali all coming up in line we need a game plan.
How to Practice healthy even while feasting.
- Enjoy the goodies but don’t go crazy.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Cucumbers throughout the day Lighter meals
- Avoid deep-fried .Opt for grilled ,pan-fried and tandoori items
- Go light on the added cream,cheese and frills that all fast food restaurant offer.
- It’s better to avoid buffets because you always over eat.
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Catch up on exercises.
- Meditate
- While going for Bijoya carry a tiffin box .Shamelessly stuff it with all the extra sweets you would like to eat but is more than your daily limits.Take it home .Enjoy 1 treat each day.
If it was eat ,eat, eat and occasionally pray during the last few days.
Now before Diwali it should be
Sleep,Pray ,exercise, eat in moderation.
Why discuss childhood obesity with festival food?
Because children learn from us ,adults. When they see us eating without control,they think it’s okay.
But it’s never a good idea to have bad food habits.
What they learn in childhood ,will affect their health as children and adults.
The saddest part is children can have the same health problems that adults do with obesity.
It’s important we know what the children have to undergo .That way we can make better choices for us and them.
So what are the symptoms that indicate excessive weight to be a medical problem?
Problems with breathing and respiration
What doe the child complain?
*Snoring, gasping ,daytime sleepiness,morning headache
*Shortness of breath,night-time or exercise cough
Medical condition :Asthma,Obstructive sleep apnea
Gastrointestinal problems:
Complaints :Irregular bowel movements
Binge eating,night-time snacking
Gall bladder diseases
Fatty liver
Eating disorders
Hormonal or Endocrine problems:
Type 2 Diabetes
Menstrual irregularities,Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Others: joint pains involving knees ,feet ,skin changes
When children are overweight ,certain guidelines help detect whether their growth in height, will help control the problem.
System assessment is important for timely referral to specialists .
When I was a child the last thing in my mind, during Durga Pujo was controlled diet.
Nowadays everyone is more aware.
Teach your children healthy choices so,they can enjoy good food without feeling guilty .They are smart .They will understand.
As parents you have the power in your hand.
Did you make healthy choices while feasting?
Comment below to let me know .
From the Childhood obesity series:
If baby is a picky eater blame yourself:Healthy eating habits in children (part 1)
Picky eater : When you need to worry(part 2)
Childhood obesity :The control is in your hand(part 3)
Read my Ultimate guide to feeding your preschooler
