Here are some examples of small things that you might change to lead your older child to a healthier lifestyle.
Week 1 Steps
Step 1: Cut back on some calories.Switch to low fat milk (remember that this is only if your child is already two years old).
Step 2: Eat less fast food.
Don't "super-size" fast food meals.
Step 3: Drink fewer calories.
Stop drinking soda.
Step 4: Get more active.
Take PE at school.
Step 5: Shop smarter.
Only buy whole wheat bread.
Week 2 Steps
Step 1: Cut back on some calories.Substitute a fruit for a less healthy snack, like cookies or a bag of chips, twice a week.
Step 2: Eat less fast food.
Eat fast food (that includes delivery to the house) at least one less time each month.
Step 3: Drink fewer calories.
Stop drinking fruit drinks.
Step 4: Get more active.
Look for a sport that you might enjoy, whether it is football, volleyball, gymnastics, karate, golf, swimming or anything else that you can do as a part of a team or class, which can help to encourage you to keep at it.
Step 5: Shop smarter.
Buy single serving size snacks, which help to discourage overeating.
Week 3 Steps
Step 1: Cut back on some calories.Don't eat in front of the TV, since you are more likely to overeat if you aren't eating at the kitchen table.
Step 2: Eat less fast food.
Learn how to choose healthy meals when you do eat at fast food restaurants.
Step 3: Drink fewer calories.
Drink plain milk instead of adding chocolate flavoring to it.
Step 4: Get more active.
Take your dog for a walk (or volunteer to take a neighbor's dog for a walk) at least twice a week.
Step 5: Shop smarter.
Learn to read food labels so that you can choose healthier foods, which in general means foods that are low in calories, fat, and added sugars, and high in fiber.
What are you going to do next week?
Week 4 Steps
Step 1: Cut back on some calories.Step 2: Eat less fast food.
Step 3: Drink fewer calories.
Step 4: Get more active.
Step 5: Shop smarter.