Obesity in America is on the rise. Many adults struggle with being overweight and our increasingly sentient lifestyles are beginning to affect the health and activity levels of our children. As our kids spend more time in front of the television and with their gaming systems, they become less active.
Developed by biochemist Dr. Barry Sears, the basic premise of the Zone Diet is to balance the food you eat into a 40:30:30 ratio. The recommended proportions are 40% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fat. To follow this diet, the main tools you need are your eyes and your hand. You should imagine your plate as divided into three portions, and fill one-third with lean protein and the other two-thirds with good carbs. Each serving should be no bigger than the palm of your hand.
So then, what can us, as parents do to recognize unhealthy patterns and give our children the opportunity to develop the habits that lead to them growing into healthy, active adults? To begin with, the changes must start with us. Then we must give our kids the opportunity to make healthy choices on their own, teaching them the patterns they need to know to continue making those decisions for a lifetime.
Dr. Sears asserts that following this diet will change the way hormones work in your body to have a greater anti-inflammatory effect. Hormones like insulin and glucagon are produced as a result of foods we eat (or don't eat) to regulate blood sugar levels.
Due to the BMI's inability to deliver a sufficiently accurate measurement, some scientists and medical researchers have been turning to other methods of determining one's physical health. One of these is the Body Adiposity Index (BAI).
As you work to understand what 'healthy' is for your child, begin to introduce them to activities that get them up and moving. Pay attention to which ones they enjoy and encourage them in those pursuits. If needed, put a limit on the amount of sentient entertainment they pursue. Get them out in the sun and participating in sports, or games, or just the simple pleasures of biking or swimming.
Join your children as you encourage them to be more active. Let your children choose what activities you do with them, and help them learn that being active is fun. Once they reach the appropriate age, encourage them to participate in organized sports or find some kind of active physical pursuit they can do on a daily basis.
There has been very little research done to substantiate Dr. Sears' claims, and many healthcare providers refrain from recommending this diet to their patients based on that fact alone. However, it seems to be safe provided there are no other underlying diseases or dietary needs.
As you work with your child to help them develop healthier habits, you will find that your health and fitness level will be improving right along with your child. Soon, your entire family will be able to enjoy being active together, and you will be more inclined to go on a bike ride than sit and watch a movie.
Developed by biochemist Dr. Barry Sears, the basic premise of the Zone Diet is to balance the food you eat into a 40:30:30 ratio. The recommended proportions are 40% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fat. To follow this diet, the main tools you need are your eyes and your hand. You should imagine your plate as divided into three portions, and fill one-third with lean protein and the other two-thirds with good carbs. Each serving should be no bigger than the palm of your hand.
So then, what can us, as parents do to recognize unhealthy patterns and give our children the opportunity to develop the habits that lead to them growing into healthy, active adults? To begin with, the changes must start with us. Then we must give our kids the opportunity to make healthy choices on their own, teaching them the patterns they need to know to continue making those decisions for a lifetime.
Dr. Sears asserts that following this diet will change the way hormones work in your body to have a greater anti-inflammatory effect. Hormones like insulin and glucagon are produced as a result of foods we eat (or don't eat) to regulate blood sugar levels.
Due to the BMI's inability to deliver a sufficiently accurate measurement, some scientists and medical researchers have been turning to other methods of determining one's physical health. One of these is the Body Adiposity Index (BAI).
As you work to understand what 'healthy' is for your child, begin to introduce them to activities that get them up and moving. Pay attention to which ones they enjoy and encourage them in those pursuits. If needed, put a limit on the amount of sentient entertainment they pursue. Get them out in the sun and participating in sports, or games, or just the simple pleasures of biking or swimming.
Join your children as you encourage them to be more active. Let your children choose what activities you do with them, and help them learn that being active is fun. Once they reach the appropriate age, encourage them to participate in organized sports or find some kind of active physical pursuit they can do on a daily basis.
There has been very little research done to substantiate Dr. Sears' claims, and many healthcare providers refrain from recommending this diet to their patients based on that fact alone. However, it seems to be safe provided there are no other underlying diseases or dietary needs.
As you work with your child to help them develop healthier habits, you will find that your health and fitness level will be improving right along with your child. Soon, your entire family will be able to enjoy being active together, and you will be more inclined to go on a bike ride than sit and watch a movie.
About the Author:
Obesity Free is a weight loss clinic in Mexico that specializes in gastric band and gastric sleeve surgeries.