Healthy Eating and Exercise Habits for Kids

Healthy Eating and Exercise Habits for Kids

Keeping your kids healthy can be as easy as helping them eat right and exercising regularly.

Nothing is more important than the health of your child. Luckily, there are simple measures you and your child can take each and every day to protect their health. Eating healthy and getting regular physical activity are the two most important habits for any child. From the office of our Ocoee and Orlando, FL, pediatricians, find out how to help your child develop these healthy habits early on.

Be a Role Model

We all nothing that our kids like to mimic everything we do, so one thing that parents can do when it comes to eating healthier is lead by example. This means preparing healthily balanced dinners that contain a hearty helping of vegetables. Don’t just tell your children how to eat healthier, show them.

Limit Screen Time

Leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to childhood obesity and a slew of chronic and serious health problems. By allotting your child a limited amount of time in front of the television or on their phones they will spend more time doing other activities that may get them moving and also keep them from snacking excessively.

Make Exercise Fun

Let your child choose the activity or activities they want to participate in, whether that’s joining the school’s soccer team or getting involved in a dance class outside of school. If they choose something they love they are more likely to stick with it. You can also allot time each and everyday for the family to take a break and walk around the neighborhood together or play around in the backyard. Make physical activity a bonding experience for the whole family.

Check Food Labels

It’s amazing how much sugar and sodium can be found in the foods we eat. You may not even realize it. In fact, a lot of so-called “healthy” foods are actually not that healthy for you. By checking food labels with your children you’ll both understand what constitutes healthy food choices and which foods to avoid. Instilling this habit in your child early on will help them maintain this same habit as they get older and start making their own food choices.

Stock Up on Healthy Snacks

If you have potato chips and junk food easily accessible you better believe that these are the snacks your children will turn to. So the best thing you can do is to avoid stocking your home with these unhealthy snacks. Opt instead for healthier choices such as raw veggies and hummus, apples, peanut butter, and low-fat string cheese. Avoid processed, sugary or salty snacks.

Do you have questions about your child’s diet? Do you need to schedule your child's next checkup? If so, call Growing Together Pediatrics in Ocoee and Orlando, FL, today!

 

Office Hours

Orlando Office Hours
Monday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Ocoee Office Hours
Monday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed