There are plenty of statistics available that prove child obesity in Ireland has reached epidemic levels. Current figures show that 300,000 children are overweight or obese in Ireland with the number set to grow by 10,000 every year. The Growing up in Ireland 2009 study found one in four nine-year-olds are overweight or obese. Obesity is preventable; the focus now needs to be on prevention and early intervention.
The Nutrition and Health Foundation offers top tips to encourage healthy eating habits
Serve a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products (not until the age of two years ). Provide children with a variety of foods to ensure they get all the nutrients they need for proper growth and development.
Know how much food children need. Keep portion sizes in check to help children maintain their sense of self-regulation and to know when they are hungry and when they are full.
Be a good role model for kids by eating together. Eating meals as a family has been shown to improve food choices and increase fruit and vegetable consumption.
Keep treats as treats.
NHF’s top tips for promoting physical activity
Aim for children to accumulate a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. Activity bouts can be all at once or in several bouts spread throughout the day.
Increase opportunities for children to engage in physical activity throughout the day. Incorporating daily activity and physical education into the school day will help ensure that children are getting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
Be a good role model. Engage in activity with children.
Limit computer and television time to less than two hours per day. Keep televisions and video games out of children’s bedrooms to help them limit the amount of screen time.
Visit www.nhfireland.ie for further information and tips on promoting a healthy diet and incorporating physical activity into daily life.
