Childhood Obesity Too Much of a Bad Thing

The Whole-istic Picture Whether we are discussing a child’s participation in sports, grades in school, energy levels, social activity, or self-image, it all comes down to the connection between the body and the mind.

The Whole-istic Picture (cont.) If the body is unhealthy, the mind will follow, but if the mind is unhealthy the body also suffers. So, we need to take a step back and look at the whole child to see the whole picture.

The Whole-istic Picture (cont.) Luckily, taking a holistic approach and looking at the whole child not only makes more sense, it is the easiest way to help them. Let’s take a look at why you really ARE what you eat.

What We Need Micronutrients Macronutrients Vitamins- Fat Soluble- A, D, E, K Water Soluble- C, B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12 Minerals- Major- Calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, potassium, and chloride Trace- Iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, manganese, fluoride, chromium, molybdenum Protein- Amino Acids- Meats, Dairy, Beans, Nuts, Eggs, Etc. Fats- Monounsaturated- Found in a variety of foods and oils. Can help to lower LDL cholesterol. Polyunsaturated- Contains essential fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. (e.g. fish oil) Carbohydrates- Monosaccharides- Found in fruits, honey, some nuts and vegetables.

What We Get Fats- Saturated- Meats and dairy. Can increase unhealthy LDL cholesterol and contribute to type II diabetes. Trans Fat- Partially hydrogenated oils. Can increase unhealthy LDL cholesterol and lower healthy HDL cholesterol. Carbohydrates- Disaccharides- Table sugar, brown sugar, dairy. Polysaccharides- Pasta, bread, potatoes an other starches.

What a Poor Diet Causes A poor diet can cause a number of issues, some more prevalent than other, but all can be very dangerous. Physical Issues: Obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease, respiratory problems, lack of energy, sleep apnea, joint pain, back pain, frequent headaches, and the list goes on and on. These are just the issue that we can often see or feel. There are many hidden issues that a poor diet can create for our minds, especially a growing mind. Psychological: Depression, poor memory, lack of motivation, and poor diet has even been linked to various psychological disorders. Nutritional deficiencies are a large part of these issue.

First Steps to a Fix Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are a major factor in the health issues suffered by children. If you just can’t seem to get your kids to eat right, you can at least supplement their diets to get them what they need. *Add a multivitamin to their daily routine to help make sure they are getting an adequate amount of essential vitamins and minerals. *When shopping, look at the labels and start filling your home with healthier options. If the food is there, they will eat it. With the added nutrients into their diet, you may find that your children have more energy, are less moody, and may in fact become more active simply by adding this simple step.

Baby Steps There is no quick fix! There is no magic pill! Many weight loss supplements can be dangerous! Educate yourself! We know that this is no small task, but we are offering this first step to get you on your way. This one baby step may take you just far enough to start moving toward a much healthier and happier lifestyle. Remember, their lives and their futures are in your hands.

Questions?

References and Resources Childhood obesity. (2014). In Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved December 9, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood- obesity/basics/definition/con-20027428 Childhood Obesity Facts. (2014, August 13). In Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved December 8, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm Food Sources for Vitamins and Minerals. (2014). In WebMD. Retrieved December 9, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/vitamins-and-minerals-good-food-sources Gottschall, E. (2014). Saccharides - Good & Bad. In Breaking the Vicious Cycle. Retrieved December 8, 2014, from http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/knowledge_base/detail/saccharides-good-amp-bad/ Obesity in Children . (2014). In MedlinePlus. Retrieved December 9, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/obesityinchildren.html What is Childhood Obesity?. (2014). In Obesity Action Coalition. Retrieved December 8, 2014, from http://www.obesityaction.org/understanding-obesity-in-children/what-is-childhood-obesity