If you would like your kids to be physically fit, there are some things you can do to facilitate it. Nothing is a guarantee, but the following will be helpful.
Physical fitness is important for children and adults. In addition to being good for their overall health, it can help them stay active as they get older and prevent certain diseases that may develop later in life. The best part of staying physically fit as a child is that it will also benefit them when they become adults.
Here are some tips on how parents can help their children stay healthy through physical activity.
#1 Eat Healthy
Your children's health begins with good nutrition. Children learn their eating habits at home, so it is important to set a good example. As you prepare meals and snacks, follow these tips:
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Avoid processed foods as much as possible. Research conducted by the University of Michigan suggests that highly-processed food can be very addictive. As parents, it’s vital that you ensure that your kids aren’t addicted to it. For that, you must limit their consumption from an early age. For a healthy smile, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene and see a dentist regularly. General Dentistry in Queen Creek can provide comprehensive care for your family's dental needs, including check-ups, cleanings, and treatments for cavities and gum disease.
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Eat more fruits and vegetables.
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Limit sugar intake. Keep sweets to a minimum and avoid sugary sodas or juices (fruit juice has natural sugar in it).
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Make sure your children eat breakfast every day so they have the energy they need when they start their day at school or after school activities.
- Encourage them to drink plenty of water throughout the day instead of caffeinated beverages like soda or energy drinks which also contain caffeine.
#2 Make Sleep a Priority
One of the most important things parents can do to help their children stay physically fit is to make sleep a priority. Start putting your kids' bedtime routine in place as early as possible and stick with it. Be sure to establish a regular schedule for when they have to go to bed.
Studies show that blue light from electronic screens suppresses melatonin levels and makes it harder for us to fall asleep later on. This has gone so far that parents are giving melatonin supplements to their kids to help them sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has had to release a public health advisory asking parents not to give kids these supplements without a doctor’s approval.
Ask your kids to put down their phones and other electronic devices before going to bed. Instead of watching Netflix in bed or scrolling through social media feeds after lights out, they can try doing something relaxing like reading or listening to music instead.
#3 Do Physical Activity Every Day
The easiest way to instill active habits in your kids is to model them yourself. If you want your child to be a runner, run with them. If you want them to be healthy and fit, cook healthy meals together and make exercise a part of the family routine.
A parent's influence on their child's physical fitness is an important factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Children are more likely to be active if they see their parents being active, so doing something physical every day can help ensure your kids will grow up healthy and strong.
Your activity doesn't have to be strenuous. It can be as simple as taking a walk together after dinner or letting them help you rake leaves in the yard.
You can also enroll your kids in soccer training. These training facilities have professional soccer coaches who can help your kids exercise and learn various soccer tactics. Not only will this keep your kids engaged with a fun activity but it will also help them stay physically fit.
If you’re not sure about this, you can have your kid attend any available free soccer training session. You’ll instantly see how much they enjoy these sessions. Soccer training is a great way for them to stay in shape if they’re reluctant to exercise on their own. Watching everyone around them try their level best to stay fit and play well will surely encourage your kids.
#4 Avoid Too Much Sugar
Limit sugar intake. A good way to do this is by cutting down on sugary drinks like soda and juice, which can contain up to three times the amount of added sugar that's recommended in one day.
It's also important to limit foods such as ice cream and cookies that have a lot of added sugar.
Sugar affects the body in many ways. It increases insulin levels, which can contribute to both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It can lead to weight gain if eaten instead of other foods.
Research results published by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) have found that excess sugar consumption is connected to an increased risk of premature aging among childhood cancer survivors.
Some research suggests that chronic consumption of large amounts of sugar might increase the risk of cancer in kids as well as adults. It’s evident that sugar, in no way, has any positive impact on kids and can only do them harm.
#5 Teach Them Yoga
Yoga is a great way to get exercise while relaxing your mind. You can teach your child how to do some basic yoga poses, then guide them through these moves while they sit on the ground or on their bed.
If they're still too young, you can lie down next to them and show them how it's done. This activity is healthy for both of you because it helps you bond and relax after a stressful day at work or school.
The most important thing to remember is that it’s never too early to start encouraging your child to lead a healthy lifestyle. You just need to give them a small push and help them realize the impact proper physical fitness can have on their body and mind.