Controlling food portions is important in maintaining energy balance.
Basically, energy balance means having the same amount of calorie intake as calories being burned.
This is an important solution for obesity in people.
Parents whose children are struggling with obesity must know the calorie count in every meal in order to limit the amount of calories (or energy) being taken in by the body.
An important solution for obesity then is centered on controlling food portions and not just about consuming healthier food.
Your family can consume a lot of healthy food like fruits and vegetables and still gain weight if you don't teach them the importance of controlling food portions they eat.
This is because all food contains calories.
Your child's body will convert the extra calories from those larger portions into fat if they aren't burned off with extra exercise.
Here are some tips to help you in controlling food portions: 1.
Eat slowly.
If you allow your child to eat too fast, he is more likely to ask for a second serving because it takes a while for the brain to register that food has been eaten and the child will still feel hungry.
If food is eaten slowly this allows your child's body to tell him that he is full.
2.
Start the meal with a soup or vegetable salad.
These types of food are low in calories and are going to have a lot of efficacy in childhood obesity diets.
These choices will also make your child to feel a little fuller so you won't be tempted to serve bigger portions of the entrée.
3.
Use smaller plates.
Eating only the amount of food that will fit into your plate is a solution for obesity that will help you be more successful in your diet.
In this case, the food in your plate should include fruits and vegetables.
4.
Share your main course with someone.
It is much easier to control food portions if you are at home.
Restaurants tend to serve larger portions than is healthy.
Sharing an entrée with someone will allow you to consume a healthy portion and cut the size of the check as a bonus.
An important solution for obesity is to be able to recognize an unhealthy serving size and share it with someone.
When you are eating out be sure to ask for a healthy, low-calorie alternative as a side dish or dessert.
You will teach your family that controlling food portions is important whether you are eating out or at home if you model the behavior you want them to follow.
All the best to you and your family, Ed Guerena