For children obesity is on the rise, thanks to the spread of fast food and fizzy drinks. Find out why it's never too early to teach your child to eat well

For children, the choice between cake and broccoli is a no-brainer. One’s a yummy treat, the other is ‘mom food’, a boring, yucky vegetable. However, with childhood obesity on the rise around the world, it’s never too late to educate your children about the importance of eating well. In India, there has been a spike in the consumption of junk food and fizzy drinks, and a shift away from traditional diets, which are generally more wholesome. The shift is due to a change in our attitude. Food has changed from a source of nourishment to a source of pleasure and a lifestyle marker. This is dangerous territory, as obesity affects children in much the same way that it affects adults. A child who is overweight is more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, low self-esteem and breathing disorders such as asthma. According to a study published in 2001 in Pediatrics, a medical journal, if a child is overweight before the age of eight, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe. The fact is this can be prevented in most cases. All that’s needed is education and a little common sense and restraint. It may initially take some effort to change your child’s eating habits, but remember that few things are as important as the health of your family. Persist, even when your children resist. Try to get them interested in cooking, choosing healthy foods and finding tasty recipes on the internet. Children are more likely to eat foods they have prepared or chosen themselves. Remind them that eating well will give them all the energy they need to pursue their favourite hobbies and sports as well as help them sleep better, improve their concentration and be more alert and happy.TO READ FURTHER... Please Login, Register or Subscribe