Are our children reflection of what's going on inside us??

 Obesity in children is an epidemic which reflects too much of the wrong type of food and not enough exercise! 

And in most cases modeling of parents and peers. Why?

·  There is less activity than they use to be.

·  Sugar is high in the majority of foods

·  The average portion sizes have become larger

· Calories per mouthful have increased

Q. Can giving kids food as a reward cause obesity?
Food as a reward or substitute is one of the biggest  reasons people comfort eat. I have people come to see me wanting to lose weight and finding they are yo yo dieting, they just can't get off that ferris wheel. In most cases it's a feeling they are feeding! This cycle is so damaging psychologically, emotionally, and physically. Do you want that future for your child??    

So how does it happen? Once this pattern has  started  your child learns on an unconscious level that certain foods are linked to emotions. So, use anything but food, in fact praise and a hug is the best positive motivators!

Should I tell my child off for being fat? Before you decide to do that, have a good look in the mirror! Being over weight is not fun and causes all sorts of emotional and psychological problems for children, who remember, have to grow into adults.  Being cross with them, is actually only be cross with yourself and  will only add to the problem. The consequences are more likely to be that they turn to food for comfort. Look at your health situation as a whole family. By making healthy changes to your lifestyle and diet will affect not only your children but you also.  Work towards being slim and healthy and not away from being over weight. Who's driving the bus??

Should I ban foods?
If you ban from a child you'll have to ban from yourself!  If you ban they will get it somewhere. I once had a friend who's son was addicted to sugar, unbeknown to them he has a server Candida infection, which requires, among other things vast amount of sugar to survive.  They banned sugar in his diet, so what did he do?  He owned up to stopping at the cake shop on the way to school and buying 6 donuts and eating them all before he got into class!  So, in my opinion banning does not work.  If you are concerned about your child's eating habits, firstly look at your own and compare what they are eating to what you are eating. If you need help with advise and diet or you feel your child may have Candida then please call the clinic and arrange an appointment for testing.

If you can teach your yourself about the health value of foods, particularly those that are rich in vitamins and nutrients it will have a knock on effect. In that way you will be helping them more than banning foods that are bad for them.  Make your home a healthy food zone, and make it fun.  Fill up the fruit bowl instead of buying biscuits and crisps, and lollies Your child is likely to model themselves on your behaviour, so you choose healthy food options. 

Should I make my child finish what's on their plate?
Please don't force children to eat more than they can. If you do they may lose their ability to naturally regulate what they eat. 

Hints and Tips for your children's Wellbeing

1. Drink water. Encourage them to drink plenty of water. Dehydrations can often be mistaken for hunger, especially sweet foods.

2. Take responsibility. Teach them to take responsibility for what they are putting into their bodies.

3. Exercise Did you know endorphins are released in the brain, which induce pleasure feelings when we exercise. The same chemicals that are released when we eat sweet things! It's a feel good factor to exercise. Try it as a family.

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