Looking at the kids of today, it can be quite surprising to see how poor their average health conditions really are. The rate of obesity is shockingly high in young children and nutrition-related disorders are very common. This can be attributed to many different factors such as the popularity of video games and the Internet, as well as the lower priority that parents place on physical exercise.

The food choices today are also more varied than when we were kids, but not in a good sense. More and more junk foods are being produced so we have to be extra vigilant to make sure that our kids are eating right and living a healthy lifestyle.

• Do not buy junk foods. Doing so will only bring the temptation into your home. Instead, load up on the healthier foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. If you fill up your shelves at home with these healthy options, your children will have no choice but to eat them and eventually, they may even learn to like them.

• Serve a balanced and healthy meal. Include all the food groups when preparing your meal and make sure each dish contains a lot of healthy ingredients.

• Avoid buying fast food. An occasional takeout is fine for nights when you don’t have time to prepare a decent meal but otherwise, home-cooked meals with healthy ingredients should be your first choice.

• Restrict TV and video game time. A couple of hours a week should be more than enough. Instead, encourage them to participate in sports or other physical activities.

• Spend family time outdoors. This can be anything from playing with your kids in the backyard to going on a weekend hiking trip. Make sure that your kids enjoy the activity so they will want to do it again and again.

• Reward them with sports items. This will let them know that physical activity is something special and important that should be a part of their lives.

Most kids who are overweight and unhealthy have become that way due to the lack of proper guidance. If you teach your kids the importance of healthy living right from the start, they will be able to carry it with well into their adulthood.