Enjoying A Healthier Holiday: Childhood Obesity Expert Shares ‘Sweet Tips’ For Parents, Kids To Be Healthy This Holiday Season

Holiday season is fast approaching and with the festivities comes along the sugary stuff such as cakes, chocolates, pies, candies and lots of holiday treats. This season also gives added pounds to both adults and children as their schedules are jam-packed with parties and family gatherings.

Just like adults, kids can also gain more pounds during the holiday season. With that said, parents should be aware on how to teach their children to eat foods that are high in fat and sugar in moderation and stay healthy.

Parents should set an example for their kids. But denying a kid to enjoy sweet treats is better said than done. Parents should also teach the children to choose healthy without compromising the enjoyment of these sweet treats.

Based on the press release sent to Parent Herald, Dr. Dyan Hes, the Medical Director of Gramercy Pediatrics and Childhood Obesity expert, said that she believes in moderation because restricting can create an unhealthy understanding with food. She also gave advice to parents on how to maintain the healthy diet of their children while giving a little indulgence to the little ones during the holiday season.

As outlined in the press release, Dr. Hes offered some tips on how to make this holiday season healthier for both the kids and the parents. She said that teaching the children on how to control the amount of sweets that they take from the dessert table can give them a chance to try all the desserts versus giving them only one dessert serving that your kids want.

She also warned to minimize the sugary drinks. When making hot chocolate, Dr. Hes said to choose low sugar chocolate mixes and use low fat whipped cream.

In addition, parents should be an example to their kids. They learn everything from their parents. Hence, parents should never over-indulge, always make sure to load the plates with vegetables.

Holiday season is a time for family gatherings and during these get-togethers, families showcase the traditional food that has been a practice every year. Unfortunately, these foods are usually loaded with fat and calories. That's why Dr. Hes suggested to create a healthier version of the said traditional dishes.

Holiday season may be paired up with food. But as parents, scheduling an activity without including food is a great way to divert your children's focus. Make them think of games that they would love to play with cousins or let them make personalized Christmas cards for the relatives.

Lastly, Dr. Hes advised to keep the family moving. Parents should join the kids to play outside or schedule a cook out. When on a holiday cookout, parents can let the kids think of outdoor games they will surely enjoy.

So for all the parents out there, choose to stay healthy while enjoying the festivities of the holiday season. And keep in mind to include the kids in staying healthy.