Parents need to model both proper nutrition, fitness

Did you know that 30 percent of our youth are overweight or obese? What is our community doing about this alarming statistic?

Plenty, as it turns out.

There are several fitness facilities in this community that have a specialized youth program available, ranging from cardiovascular to strength and/or stability training to weight loss. Locate a facility that has incorporated youth fitness in to their menu of services and talk to them about what works best for you and your family.

Taking the work out of workout and inviting a healthier lifestyle in to your child’s routine is absolutely mandatory. It is not your child’s fault that he or she is out of shape or overweight. However, this is an opportunity for you, as the parent, teacher, and community leader to take a step in the right direction and assist our youth in making a positive change.

There are many fitness trainers in our community who are ready and qualified to make a difference.

I cannot stress enough the fact that this is not your child’s fault. Do not place blame upon a child.

As an adult, nutrition must be the highest priority when it comes to our youth. Whether your child is out of shape, overweight or of normal weight, healthy eating should be a big part of your everyday choices.

Your child is growing and forming their habits. Wouldn’t it be refreshing, as a parent to view each meal choice as an opportunity instead of another task? Your child will feel so much better, have more energy, perhaps even perform better in school. This is one of the rewards of being a parent.

Pick one day to begin and eliminate sugar from your child’s diet. Just one day, just one toxic chemical at a time. Instead of giving your child a box of cold cereal full of sugar to begin their day, why not make them a healthy breakfast?

And, while you may need to wake up 10 minutes earlier, trust me, it is more than worth it.

Natalie Dreger is a certified fitness professional and can be reached at nataliedreger.com.