- The U.S. has high rates of obesity, with half of the adults affected; childhood obesity tripled since the 1970s.
- Eating processed foods and skipping meals can lead to weight gain; reduce intake of these.
- Incorporate physical activity into the family’s daily routine: go for walks, play sports, sign up for a fitness class.
- Reduce eating out and screen time; instead, focus on nutritious meals and physical activities together as a family.
- Make mealtime special by creating a meal plan and turning off the TV during dinnertime to be mindful of what you eat.
It’s not easy to maintain a healthy weight for an entire family. Today’s society is guilty of many contributing factors, such as sedentary lifestyles and convenient, high-fat foods. Unfortunately, when your family becomes overweight, it can lead to many health problems. Here’s a look into obesity in the U.S., why your family is becoming overweight, and renovation options for you to deal with it.
Obesity in The U.S.
The U.S. has some of the highest rates of obesity worldwide. It’s estimated that nearly half of the adult population has obesity or is overweight. Furthermore, the number of obese children in our society has tripled since the 1970s. As these statistics reveal, weight management has become a significant issue today. Here are some leading reasons why your family is becoming overweight.
Too Many Processed Foods in Your Diet
All sorts of processed foods are often high in calories, sugar, and sodium but low in nutrients. These foods can be very addicting, leading to overeating and eventual weight gain over time. To avoid this, prepare more meals at home using whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods are not only full of nutrients, but they’re also filling and can help you maintain a healthy weight over time.
Not Enough Physical Activity
In today’s society, people are more sedentary than ever. Children are spending more time on their phones and less time outside playing, and many adults have jobs where they sit in front of a computer all day. To combat this, look for ways to get moving as a family. Go for a walk or hike, participate in sports together, or sign up for a family fitness class at your local gym.
Skipping Meals
While it seems counterintuitive, skipping meals can lead to weight gain. When you skip a meal, you’re more likely to overeat at your next meal, increasing your total calorie intake. To avoid this, make sure you and your family eat balanced meals throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as healthy snacks between meals.
Eating Out Too Often
Eating out can be a convenient way to save time and contribute to weight gain. Restaurant portions tend to be much larger than you need, and the food tends to be higher in calories and sodium. To avoid this, try to limit eating out to one or two times per week, and choose healthier options when you do eat out.
Too Much Screen Time
Watching TV, playing video games, and spending time on social media can all contribute to weight gain. Not only are these activities passive, but they can also lead to mindless snacking. To combat this, set limits on screen time for both you and your family, and encourage more physical activities and family time instead.
Renovation Options For a Healthier Life
Renovations are crucial to establish a healthy lifestyle for your family. Here are four tips to help you get started:
Build a Pool
Swimming is one fun way to get active and reduce the risk of obesity. Install a pool in your backyard, or join a local swim club to get your family moving. To keep your children safe from slips or increased moisture in your household, you must properly coat the pool and its surroundings. A reliable concrete swimming pool coating can do the job. It’s made from materials resistant to water, heat, and UV rays, so it’s perfect for outdoor pools.
Swap Out Your Couch
If you’re spending too much time on the couch, it’s time to swap it out for something else. Instead of buying a new couch, look for other furniture that encourages movement, like an exercise bike or treadmill desk.
Get Active Together
Find ways to be active together as a family. Take group walks, join fitness classes, or set up weekly sports games with your children at the park. Doing this regularly can encourage healthy habits for everyone in the household.
Make Meal Time Special
Mealtime should always be unique. Create a family meal plan, turn off the TV during dinnertime, and ensure everyone eats balanced meals at each meal. This will help you become more mindful of your eating and encourage better nutrition for the whole family.
You can start a healthy lifestyle renovation for your entire family by taking these simple steps. With a few adjustments to your diet and physical activity levels, you can reduce the risk of obesity and maintain a healthy weight for the long term.
