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How Can I help My Child Lose Weight?
by Vanessa Selene Williams

With the advent of television and video games, our children are more sedentary than ever. Therefore, our children are larger than ever. As much as 25 percent of our children and teenagers are obese. If you have become concerned about your child's weight, here are some suggestions. You can incorporate these techniques into your child's daily life.

The goal of weight management for children should be to slow weight gain. Or, to maintain their current weight. In other words, putting your child on a low calorie diet is unfavorable. If placed on a diet he or she will be at risk of malnutrition. Your child is still growing. These nutrients are necessary.

The only one who should put your child on a diet should be your child's pediatrician or a registered dietitian. First, change the way your child eats. Base meals on the food guide pyramid. The purpose is to reinforce healthy eating habits. The foundation of the pyramid is grains.

When fixing meals keep this in mind. Visually divide your child's plate. Place more grains than meat on the dish and include a serving of vegetables and/or fruits.

Remember serving sizes for children are smaller than adults. The rule of thumb is one tablespoon per each year of the child's age. For example, if your child is four years old the serving size would be four tablespoons.

Allow your child to determine if this serving size is too small. Allow your child to ask for seconds servings. Second, change the entire family's eating habits. This reinforcing healthy eating habits.

There are many little things we all can do to incorporate better eating habits. First, limit eating in front of the television. Make it a rule in your household to only eat in the kitchen or dining room.

Eat slowly. Your children look up to you. Set a good example.

Third, increase activity level. Studies have shown children involved in sedentary activities, such as television and video games for long periods, increase their chance of obesity. To correct this, limit sedentary activities. Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day.

Go for a walk. Take your child to the playground. Enroll him or her in competitive sports. Not only will this help weight management but it will also improve your child's self esteem and social skills. If you and your child are overweight, you may find it rewarding to achieve a healthy lifestyle together.

Children who are overweight in childhood increase their chance of becoming an obese adult. Incorporating these habits into your child's everyday life will help him or her become a healthy and happy adult.

Here are some tips on how to help your child lose weight: 

• Replace junk food and candy with healthy snacks. For example carrots, apples, celery, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
• Replace fried items with baked items. Instead of fried chicken, cook baked chicken.
• Replace meat items with legumes once or twice a week. Cook red beans and rice instead of meat loaf.
• Replace rich desserts. Instead of cheesecake, give them sherbet.

Vanessa S. Williams is the site manager of www.eatrightkids.com. For more of her articles, please visit her website.  This article originally appeared on Suite 101.