How to Create a Weight Loss Diet Plan for Kids – Expert-Approved Tips
Assessing Your Child’s Weight Status
It’s important to know if your child’s weight is healthy. Using their BMI and comparing it to the CDC charts can help. This will show if they are underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese.
Weight Loss Diet Plan for Kids: The Right Approach
Your child can stay healthy by adopting good habits. Eating right, being active, and having less screen time are crucial. Also, make sure they sleep enough.
Healthy Eating for Children
The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans give key advice. Children should eat lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. They should also have low-fat dairy or fortified non-dairy items. Plus, eat foods with protein. But limit things that are sugary, fatty, or salty.
Portion Control and Balanced Meals
Teach kids about meal sizes to cut down on extra calories. Eating away from screens helps focus. Keep healthy snacks ready for quick grabs. And, it’s vital to have a positive view of food. Don’t force meals to be finished. Avoid using food as a reward or punishment.
Encouraging Physical Activity
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, says kids ages 3 to 5 should move all day. Older kids, 6 to 17 years old, need at least 1 hour of active play daily. They should do things like running or dancing, exercises to make their muscles stronger, and things like jumping to make their bones harder.
