Obesity is a huge problem in the United States for many adults. Unfortunately, it is also becoming a large problem with children and adolescents. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that the number of overweight adolescents has tripled since 1980.
Because of these numbers, it is becoming more and more important that we, as parents, make sure that we are teaching our children about healthy eating, how to make good food choices and the importance of physical activity. In addition to being role models to our children in terms of our own food choices and exercise routines, there are many games and apps designed to make learning fun.
Eat to Win is a company created by a mother whose own child battled with weight issues. They offer a board game designed to teach children about healthy choices as well as get them active and moving. Their Eat to Win Kids Weight Loss Edition is a fun way to teach about healthy choices. Kids are given fun money to purchase their food, with healthy choices costing less. In addition to these traditional games, they are also working on a weight loss app for kids where they can create their own avatar and work on weight loss and exercise goals.
LaLa Lunchbox is a fun app designed to help kids and parents pack lunches for school that are full of balance and healthy options. The apps lunchboxes can be designed by the children. It is set up so kids can choose from a variety of food options and place them in their daily lunchbox. Their available choices are based on a balanced diet. Once the child has picked out their lunches for the week, the app then provides parents with a full grocery list. This is a great way to get the kids involved in their lunches and learning about healthy, balanced meals.
How many of you parents have used a pedometer to track how many steps you take in a day? If the answer is yes, my guess is your kids have asked if they could use it at one time or another. I know mine is always missing and can usually be found with my youngest son.
Well, GeoPalz has the perfect answer for the child that wants to measure his or her steps. GeoPalz provides cute and fun animal or sport shaped pedometers designed just for kids. But, they offer so much more than that. Once your child has purchased a GeoPalz, they can register at the website and begin walking for prizes. They simply log in their steps and travel along the maps to earn prizes.
Crunch a Color is an award-winning nutrition game designed to award children for making healthy meal choices. Kids earn points for choosing a balanced meal and learn about different fruits, veggies, proteins and grains. They can earn additional points for good manners and trying new foods. This is a great way to get kids involved in the dinner process and reward positive and healthy choices. Turn your dinner time into a game time that will really make a difference.
Deborah Braconnier is a former athlete and avid sports and Olympics fan. She now works as a freelance writer and Featured Contributor for the Olympics and NFL and brings her love of sports to her writing. As a former medical professional, she promotes nutrition and fitness for everyone. Follow her on Twitter @fwcdeborah and @healthykidsgrow.
