If you're a working mum then it's understandable that cooking healthy homemade dinners every night is probably out of the question. But the kids need a dinner. So what do you do? Read the following scenario, does it relate to you?
'I'm so tired... Oh, no, i need to make dinner, but what?! Well let's see, I will just open the cupboards, the refrigerator, the freezer - something should come up...'
'Aha! Pre-packed, pre-cooked food, or maybe a little pasta - that cooks quickly... or should i just call for delivery, a pizza maybe...'
This just happens time and again and before you know it your children could be obese. Pre-cooked dinners are full of bad-for-health 'goodies'. They are usually very tasty too so children will ask for them again. So as a parent you will fill up your freezer with these types of foods - just in case.
All processed foods are high in carbohydrates and sugars. Even the 'Low-Fat' labelled foods are still high in carbohydrates and these will act as sugars in the body raising sugar levels to higher than normal in which case insulin is released to regulate the sugar in the blood. If the sugar level was above normal the insulin will drop the sugar level in the body to below normal and in two to three hours the body is asking for more.
These ups and downs usually begin in the morning after eating cereals or toast or a muffin all of which are packed with carbohydrates, sugars and fat. All through the day the child (or adult if they are eating the same way) will experience these ups and downs of sugar levels and eating every couple of hours. The insulin is sent by the pancreas which means that it has been working overtime to cope with the overload which could lead to problems of the pancreas and if this stops working properly then there exists the possibility of the child ending up with diabetes type 2. So obesity is a very dangerous situation.
A few tips for parents to take into account
When shopping for food always check the labels and compare different brands before purchasing.
- Always compare the carbohydrates of low-fat products and 'zero fat' products since often a zero fat product may contain more carbohydrates than a low-fat.
- It does not always follow that 'low calories' is better, often if calories are reduced carbohydrates are increased and carbohydrates are what are stashed onto the body if not enough calories are burned.
- Look out for 'hidden sugars'. An example of hidden sugars are 'light' cereals, cook-in sauces, tinned products. So always read the label!
- Try to have fresh fruit and vegetables around the kitchen, washed and in the child's reach instead of stocking up chocolates, ice cream and crisps.
- Whenever possible, pre-cook your own meals on a day off and put them in the freezer.
- If you take your children to school, drop them off 50 meters before the school and let them do some walking.
- Make excuses for needing something from upstairs and ask your child to bring it for you. This is a way of getting them to use energy and burn calories.
- Put their favorite song on and dance with them- this could be a lot of fun and will help them use up some of those stored calories.
- Make just enough food for the family and put each individuals portion in front of them.
- Encourage fruit or vegetables as snacks between meals.
- Make sure children don't skip meals or in between snacks as eating smaller portions five times a day rather than three larger meals can help the fat come off. Long hours of nothing in between blocks the function of burning calories constantly.
Stick with these suggestions and you will soon see a difference in your child's or children's weight problem.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penelope_Kongorozi
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