Keep Your Kids Active!
Let’s face it: it’s hard to keep children active and healthy today. Back in the day, kids just went outside and played all the time. Now many enjoy just sitting in front of the television all day watching shows or playing video games. Beyond that, there are more unhealthy options on the shelves for kids than there ever were before. Not only is keeping kids active more difficult than it used to be, keeping them healthy through nutritional food choices is also a bear!
City Dental Kids & Braces would like to discuss some ways to keep your kids active while promoting a healthy diet. Fortunately, both things go hand in hand!
Encourage Outdoor Games
There are plenty of games out there kids will always enjoy to keep them active and away from a sedentary lifestyle. Some common examples include hide and seek, tag, and Simon says.
If your kids like sports, get them a soccer ball to kick around or a football to throw around. Sports like basketball and baseball are also possibilities. Find out what your kids are into and get them involved in sports. These activities and equipment for them typically aren’t very expensive and they keep kids on the move for hours!
When your kids are keeping themselves busy outside, remember that sugary sodas, lemonades, teas, and others are not hydrating. Have your kids drink water. It’ll keep them from getting dehydrated and help them maintain a healthy diet from the standpoint of which drinks they are consuming.
Teach Your Kids to Maintain a Garden
Besides just finding outdoor games to play, see if your child will take an interest in planting things and gardening. Not only does it keep them active, it gets them plenty of time in the sun. Kids enjoy seeing something they planted turn into a tall, beautiful plant. Additionally, kids love to grow fruit and vegetables, and may even take a greater interest in eating healthy if they grew the food themselves! It’s a great way to kill two birds with one stone.
Limit Television Time to Keep Kids Active
Whether it’s video games or tv shows, spending too much time in front of the television set is not good for you! Keep your kids active. If they have spent too much time in front of the tv, give them a fun activity to do outside! Keep an eye on how your children spend their time at home. It’s an important way to keep them healthy.
Doing Chores Will Keep Kids Active
Kids are not fond of doing chores, but setting an example and doing your own house chores with them can be inspiring and make it a lot more fun. Chores give children a sense of responsibility. Showing them you have responsibilities too is a better way to reinforce the behavior of keeping up on them together. Chores are just another way to keep your kids active.
Pay Close Attention to Ingredients Labels
It’s a sad fact, but too much of the food you can buy in the store is not very healthy for you. It’s getting harder and harder for parents to find good food not only for their children, but also for themselves as well. Some ingredients to look out for and avoid include:
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Shortening
- Palm Oil
- Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Benzoate
- Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
- Blue, Green, Red, and Yellow Artificial Colors
- Sodium Nitrates and Sodium Nitrites
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
These are just some of the ingredients to watch out for. A good rule of thumb is to try and always prepare fresh meals for your kids, avoid processed food or premade meals, and make sure they get plenty of veggies in their diet.
City Dental Kids & Braces is Here For YOU!
A professional pediatric dentist can really help in instilling good habits in your children. City Dental Kids & Braces is the perfect choice for you and your kids. Contact us today!
City Dental Kids & Braces was established by Dr. Sam Shahoveisi to bring a comfortable and fun experience visiting the dentist to children. City Dental Kids & Braces is the best choice for any and all of your pediatric dental concerns. The professionalism of their doctors will ensure your child has the best possible care before, during, and after their dental procedure.
For questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (626) 962-1700.
