Childhood obesity
is on the rise!
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Kids in the Zone
Childhood obesity is on
the rise. The main reason is high insulin levels! What
causes high insulin levels? If you answered too many carbohydrates,
you are correct.
From early on in a child’s
life he or she is either weaned from the breast or bottle to baby pablum
which is nothing but refined carbohydrates. Once the child grows
a little, he or she is then given breakfast cereals, fruit juices, white
bread, pasta, rice, bananas etc. with not much emphasis on protein (especially
fish). Fast food restaurants have also become a way of eating for
our children. High insulin levels coupled with sitting in front of
Nintendo games is wreaking havoc on our children’s health.
Many childhood illnesses
are stemming from high insulin levels and lack of Omega-3 fatty acids ie
asthma, attention deficit disorder, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Here are some tips for
incorporating more protein into your child’s diet:
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Firstly, find proteins that
he or she will eat
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Cut up fruits and serve with
mozzarella cheese strings
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Serve 2% milk as a balanced
Zone snack
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Serve vegetables with a cheese
sauce
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Add protein powder to slow cooking
oatmeal or applesauce
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Prepare shakes with frozen berries
and protein powder
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Prepare home made soups adding
protein ie chicken or ham
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Prepare Zone desserts ie Zone
fudge or freeze the brain shake into popsicles
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Supplement your child’s diet
with pharmaceutical grade fish oil
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Slowly introduce the concept
of exercise into your child’s lifestyle. This can be accomplished
by enrolling him or her in swimming, figure skating, hockey, soccer, dancing.
Make it FUN for them. What do you have to lose other than some extra
body fat :o)
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To calculate your child’s
protein requirements assume that they have 10% body fat when calculating
their lean body mass. Their activity factor should then be increased
by two levels. This will ensure that adequate protein is being supplied
for growth spurts.
Remember kids are great imitators
of their parents so the best way to get him or her in the Zone is to set
an example yourself.
Zone Appetit!
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