Although we are becoming a more health conscious society, it boggles the mind to understand why obesity is on the rise, especially in children. The rate at which children ages 2 to 19 years are obese, has risen 17%.

That’s quite more than a startling statistic. It is a call to every parent to reassess their kids’ dietary habits and come up with a plan to reduce their weight gain before they develop chronic illness as well as cardiovascular problems.

The eating habits of children have always been a concern for parents, the community and the nation as a whole. Schools have repeatedly changed the lunch menu to ensure all students were eating balanced and nutritional meals. States have banned trans fat in fast food restaurants and other establishments due to the increase in obesity among children and adults.

How can we, as parents, ensure our children are following the nutritional guidelines to achieve a healthy mind and body? Certainly, the foods that are prepared for kids at home are healthy and contain all the nutrients they need. But when kids are not at home, how does a parent ensure they are not consuming fast foods or snacks that are unhealthy?

It all begins at the beginning. Parents, who prepare foods for their children from the time they can hold a spoon, have been adhering to a healthy diet not just for the kids but for themselves as well. In addition, vegetarian diets have become an alternative method to conventional foods because there is a growing concern that children are not receiving the proper nutrients, vitamins and minerals on a daily basis.

Everyone is involved in the crusade against obesity and healthy eating for kids has become the number one priority. As parents, we want our children to live happy and healthy lives void of illness or pain. To achieve any goal takes hard work and perseverance, and the battle against obesity has just begun. It will take time and research but we will prevail in bringing our children’s health to where it should be.