Kids Fitness - Nutrition Facts, Exercising, Childhood Obesity

The Shocking Facts

Statistics from the most recent large-scale survey in the UK shockingly reveal that 25 % of boys and 33 % of girls aged between 2 and 19 years are overweight or obese.

Overweight young people have a 50% chance of becoming overweight adults.

Obesity currently costs the country around £2 billion annually and shortens lives by nine years, due to the associated health problems. Some health experts even believe we will soon see parents outliving their children.

Equally worrying is the fact that parents are getting so used to seeing overweight kids, they do not recognise their own children are obese.

Risks of Obesity in Children

Health experts are particularly worried about this in view of the health risks linked with obesity, which include heart disease, certain cancers, high blood pressure, joint problems, psychological difficulties and diabetes.

An American study in the 90s showed that overweight teenagers were eight and a half times more likely to develop high blood pressure and almost 2 and a half times as likely to have high blood cholesterol levels.

Meanwhile, in recent years there has been an alarming rise in the number of children being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, a condition that’s typically seen in overweight middle-aged adults.

Why are our children getting so fat?

Unfortunately, there is no mystery! Quite simply, many children do too little exercise and eat a diet that’s packed with junk food and high levels of saturated fat.

So how can we stop our children from piling on the pounds?

Unsurprisingly, most health experts agree one of the most important factors in the fight against childhood obesity is to encourage healthy eating habits from an early age. In addition, children need to be active! Whether that means kicking a football around, swimming, walking to school, or participating in an exercise class, they need to be active rather than just sitting down with a play station or watching the TV.

For further information visit: www.foodcomm.org.uk and www.patrickholford.com

Our specialist team will help motivate & inspire your kids to feel better about themselves, through fitness, education, and motivation.

We run classes in schools and the community, to help provide and educate the kids of today with a healthier lifestyle and the knowledge to assist them in making the right decisions about their future.

Are you careful what you feed your children?

Do you read food labels?

When a product is labelled with 'NO ADDED SUGAR', 'LOW SUGAR', 'DIET', 'LOW CALORIE', you must always read the label as often they will contain dangerous and toxic ARTIFICAL SWEETNERS, called ASPARTAME AND PHENYLANINE. 

Have you ever given your child a FRUIT SHOOT without  reading the ingredients?  Yes guess what, these also contain ASPARTAME and PHENYLANINE.

Watch this short clip:

Also MSG (MONOSODIOM GLUTAMATE) is in a lot of kids and adult food, this is a nasty flavour enhancer, which again can have some serious side effects.

And then we have those horrible things called COLOURS, take a look at http://www.actiononadditives.com/ for some great facts and information that all parents should be aware of.

Please be aware that the multi million pound food and drink industry will say anything to sell their products.  Do not be sucked in and most IMPORTANTLY do not let your kids have this stuff! 

Generally, unless the label states the following: no added flavours, colours or preservetives, no added MSG.  Leave it on the shelf! 

Now you may be thinking, what do I feed them?  It really is easy there is so much out there and doesn't cost anymore.  Labelling is much better now, so look for the 'no added' words above and you will be fine.  Or just read the label on the back, as by law these ingredients have to be listed.  Also, use your common sense, if something is a bright colour, or has his amazing crazy flavour, then it is probably is not very natural.

I have a ten year old boy and he has a great varied diet and still gets treats, but they just do not have any rubbish in them.  And of course he has never had a fruit shoot, coloured sweets or fizzy drinks in his life.  He has no health problems, mood swings and sleeps fantastically. 

Remember, the word artifical is a BAD word when it comes down to something you are putting into your body.  Keep it natural and basic, read your labels.  There is more information on the Nutrition page.  We also have lots of FREE handouts available at our classes. 

Why not put some of the words above into Google or You Tube and see what you find.

If you would like to know more about our school & community program please contact us.