Making healthier food choices and introducing more physical activity to our children's lives is vital. Otherwise, many of today's children may encounter serious health issues at a higher rate as they age, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and arthritis.
With today's demanding schedules, it sometimes seems impossible to put together three balanced meals a day for our children. Not to mention snacks. But ultimately, the time and care we put into these meals is a long-term investment in their health. A few key things to keep in mind when preparing your child's daily meals include the following:
For fun and handy tips on preparing nutritious meals for your children, refer to Eat Well, Play Well at Home and Eat Well, Play Well at School , both issued by the Dietitians of Canada. And for advice on heart healthy foods, consult Heart Health Eating issued by Registered Dietitians.
When it comes to heart health for children, physical activity is just as important as diet. Endurance-focused activities such as running, jumping and swimming are all heart-smart activities as they strengthen the heart and lungs.
As well, you can encourage your children to be active at every opportunity. Aside from strengthening their hearts, regular exercise also offers children the following benefits:
For more fun ideas on incorporating more physical activity in your children's daily routine, refer to Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Children or Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Youth.
By making healthy food choices and regular physical activity a natural part of your children's lives, you're paving the way for their future as an adult with a healthy heart.
Adapted from an article by Sarah Wilkinson. This article appeared originally on the Canadian Health Network Web site and has been edited for publication by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
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