Keep your kids happy and healthy this season
If you are worried your child is carrying too much winter weight, simple things like walking as a family can help and increasing raw food into the diet
Do your kids tend to want to eat more during the cooler months? Are they more reluctant to go outside and play due to shorter daylight hours and the cold?
What can we do to make them feel fuller for longer and keep active? With the public being encouraged to spend more time at home, and many sporting activities cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, it is important we encourage our children to stay active and healthy.
Tanzia Butterfield, Paediatric Dietician from the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) Child Healthy Lifestyle Team, says there are many reasons why a child’s weight may move into the unhealthy weight range, especially during the cooler months.
“There are plenty of straightforward tips that may help kids ward off unwanted winter weight gain,” she said. “We are lucky to have some beautiful mild sunny days, look at how you can adjust exercise routines to reflect the change in season.
“For example, make the most of the weekends and get active as a family, head to the beach or explore the national parks.
“Diet is also critical to keeping our kids healthy.. Include a good quality lean protein or reduced fat dairy with each meal. A homemade chicken pizza on a wholemeal pita pocket with cheese and veggies is a quick and filling family favourite,” she said.
“To save time in the busy evenings, pop on the slow cooker earlier in the day. It’s a delicious way to get a variety of nutritious vegetables and legumes on their plates”.
If you are concerned about your child’s weight being above the healthy range for their age the Child Healthy Lifestyle Team can help. The team consists of dieticians, physiotherapists and parenting specialists.
They’ll work with you and your family, discuss where you feel your family are experiencing difficulties and help you make practical changes. Each situation is unique, so they’ll tailor to the needs of each individual family.
To make an appointment, contact Child Health Access on 5319 4824. Clinic and home visits can be provided as well as group sessions.
