Every Saturday for the month of September, LolliWolliWorld® Children's Products will share a nutritious, and delicious smoothie that families can make together. You can download our recipe card below.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month as a time to raise awareness about preventing childhood obesity. National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month provides a chance to learn more about this serious health condition, share messages to promote healthy growth, and prevent obesity in children.
Childhood obesity is a complex disease with many contributing factors, including genetics, eating patterns, physical activity levels, and sleep routines. Children with obesity are at a higher risk for asthma, sleep apnea, bone, and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, and risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure.
This is a great time to offer a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Frozen fruits and vegetables are often less expensive than fresh and still good for you. Sit down together for a meal, and get kids engaged with meal preparation at home. Serve healthy meals to encourage kids to be creative with their plates.
Most importantly, move more as a family by staying physically active. Visit your local parks and take a 30-minute walk, go for a bike ride together, or have a fun family race in the yard. Proper sleep is essential to preventing obesity. Preschoolers need 11-13 hours of sleep per day, including naps. Children 6-12 years old need 9-12 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night, and youth 13-18 need 8-10 hours.
Reduce your child's screen time. During childhood, too much screen time can lead to poor sleep, weight gain, lower grades in school, and poor mental health. Free up time for family activities such as putting together a jigsaw puzzle, or playing a fun family outdoor game of potato sack racing!
Last but not least, set a good example for your children. Healthy eating patterns should focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It is also important to limit foods that are high in sodium and added sugars.
