Table of Contents
Introduction
According researches, kids who tend to eat healthy foods and stay active during their childhood are more likely to be fit later in life. Kids are considered as “Apple of their parent’s eye”. Yet, many parents neglect their responsibility of guiding the kids to healthy lifestyle out of love. The very technology and Junk foods, parents allow their kids to enjoy have manipulated children’s mind-set. Consequences of this act of love shown from parents are vicious. This has lead the kids to grave danger. Despite limited empirical evidence, there is growing concern that habit of having junk food and being inactive is affecting children’s lifestyle.
This post-study report enlightens the effect of junk food and inactivity in children lifestyle. A group of candidates were selected to carry out the study. Their habits, daily activities and type of food intakes were studied throughout a series of interviews. In general, this report will include a brief introduction of kids whose habits and eating patterns were studied. The study was carried out through individual interviews with each kid and their parents. Followed by a brief introduction, each kid’s habits and activities will be warily explained. Later on, unhealthy habits of kids were identified carefully. The following post-study report will be concluded with suggestive ideas towards a healthy lifestyle.
Children’s Daily Routine (Habits, Activities & Food)
Prime focus of this study is to identify the eating habits and daily activities of kids. A group of 5 kids were interviewed regarding their food intake and exercises and activities they do during daytime.
Mariyam Maany is a 10 year old girl who lives in Male. Currently she is studying in 4th grade of Ameeniya School. She is an intelligent girl with various other skills. During the interview, she was very corporative. As per the interview, Maany usually sleeps slightly later than kids of her age normally sleep. Yet, she manages to wake up early in a regular basis, as early as 5am or 6am. Even if she wakes that early, she doesn’t eat anything during the early hours normally. She drinks milk in the morning and before bed, yet not a regular basis. In morning also she normally eats rice or bread with butter. During most of the cases she eats rice with fish curry or “Rihaakuru” or “Garudiya”. Her favourite and most frequently eaten food so far recorded is rice and curry. Even though a vast majority of Maany’s food intake is not so healthy, she have a habit of eating fruits and vegetables. On top of this, the most interesting thing is she doesn’t like any kind of fruit juice. During her normal routine, she doesn’t drink water, she is not a very big fan of water even if it’s an essential part of a Childs growth. She only drinks water right after she eats something; meaning that she drinks water very rarely. On the other hand, she is a very big fan of contaminated food and junk foods prepared in restaurants. As per Maany’s parents, she normally spend her leisure time indoor, usually inside the house. During school hours also she doesn’t participate on physical activities other than PE. Yet, she is a very active kid in home in terms of her behaviour, spends most of the time running around the house, jumping and playing.
The next kid in the group is a 2nd year student in Hiriyaa School, who lives in Male’. Aishath Maavy is 8 year old girl. As per the interview, it was noticed that Maavy is not an early bird. This could be triggered because of her late night sleep. Even though she isn’t an early bird, sometimes she tend to wake up early. However, this has no effect on her daily routine breakfast. She prefers to have rice with curry or rihaakuru once she wakes. Her all-time favourite food is also rihaakuru and rice. Morning or noon, evening or mid-night this meal is comfortable for her. Like Maany, she also doesn’t drink plenty of water, yet takes heavy meals frequently. Intake of junk food in her daily life is also very high. Moreover, she has a habit of eating whenever she gets bored and while watching TV. Unlike other kids of her age, she spends most of time watching TV or laying down on bed. She seems very inactive both in school and home as per her parents. As per her parents, she prefers spending her time indoor, either playing video games or watching cartoon. Moreover, she hasn’t participated in any physical activities conducted in school. After all, even if she is fond of foods, she is not a very big fan of healthy foods like fruits or vegetables. During her usual food intake, she takes a wide range of sugary and oily things. For instance; bread, butter, theluli Fai, chips, biscuits etc.
Anaan is a 9 year old boy who lives in Male’. Presently he is studying in 3rd grade of Majeedhiyya School. As per the interview, Anaan is a good kid who behaves very well and performs well in academics. He usually sleeps early and wakes early, even if it’s a week day or a weekend. He drinks milk regularly every morning. Later on morning, he normally eats biscuit or roshi as breakfast. Normally, he eats lots of healthy foods which are enriched in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. This includes, rice, bread, fruits and vegetables. His favourite and most frequently eaten food is rice and roshi. Moreover, in his daily food intake, he drinks lots of water and fresh juice. In addition, he is very much aware of healthy habits. Anaan is a very active kid in school and home as well. He participates in different sports and co-curricular activities like football, conducted in school. As per the interview with Anaan, it was identified that, he as an intelligent kid who is very much aware of healthy lifestyle and habits.
An 11 year old girl named Inaan was interviewed from the group during this study. She lives in Male’ and is currently study in fifth grade. Since she is a bit elder than rest of the kids in this group, she was seems to be more mature than other kids in the group. Throughout the small casual meeting it was identified that she studies about healthy foods, habits, lifestyle and are very much into sports and exercises, especially outdoor. Thus, Inaan happens to be early bird who sleeps early and wakes early in the morning. Moreover, she gives quite importance to daily meals as well. Her daily meals usually consists of varieties of healthy foods. For instance; she drinks milk regularly and as breakfast she normally eats calcium and fibre enriched foods such as oat meal, nuts, biscuits, brown bread etc. Inaan’s usual food intake is very much balanced as per her parents. During lunch and dinner she normally eats rice or roshi, green salad and garudhiya. Meat content in her meals are desirable as meat is something which makes human body heavy. Intake fresh fruits during normal is very high as fruit salad is one of her favourite. In the meantime, Inaan is a very kid in terms of her normal routine and school life activities. She always participates in school sport events and other extra-curricular activities. Moreover, on a daily basis she goes for jogging with her mom.
Laisha is a 6 year old girl who lives in Male’. She is currently studying her first year in primary school. Past few years of her life mostly she spent time indoor. As she was quite young her school hours are also less compare to other kids in the group. Similarly, her sleeping pattern and timing is also a bit different. Usually she sleeps early and wakes early in the morning. She also sleeps in afternoon for 2 hours. As per the interview, a vast percentage of Laisha’s daily food intake includes fruits vegetable and other healthy foods. She is also quite active during school hours as well as in home. So far, she have participated in every single sports event held in her school. She often participates in other sports events conducted by NGO’s and Club Associations.
Ways to Improve Children Lifestyle
Regular physical activity is important for the healthy growth, development and well-being of children and young people. They should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, including vigorous activities that make them ‘huff and puff’. Include activities that strengthen muscles and bones on at least 3 days of the week.
Parents should be good role models and have a positive attitude to being active. Help your child find a sport that he/she enjoys. The more she enjoys the activity, the more likely she will continue it. Get the entire family involved. It is a great way to spend time together. Choose an activity that is developmentally appropriate. For example, a 7- or 8-year-old child is not ready for weight lifting or a 3-mile run, but soccer, bicycle riding, and swimming are all appropriate activities. Some children are so overscheduled with homework, music lessons, and other planned activities that they do not have time for exercise. When your child is ready to start, remember to tell him/her to listen to his/her body. Exercise and physical activity should not hurt. If this occurs, your child should slow down or try a less vigorous activity. As with any activity, it is important not to overdo it. If your child’s weight drops below an average, acceptable level or if exercise starts to interfere with school or other activities, talk with your child’s doctor. Your child’s doctor can help your child understand why physical activity is important. Your child’s doctor can also suggest a sport or activity that is best for your child.
Water is the best way to quench your thirst – and it doesn’t come with the added sugar found in fruit juices, soft drinks and other sweetened drinks. Reduced-fat milk for children over two is a nutritious drink and a great source of calcium. Give kids whole fruit to eat, rather than offering fruit juices that have a lot of sugar.
Eating fruit and vegetables every day helps children grow and develop, boosts their vitality and can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Aim to eat two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day. Have fresh fruit available as a convenient snack and try to include fruit and vegies in every meal. The specific nutritional choices you and your youngster make are crucial, Good nutrition is essential to good health. Healthy snacks help children and young people meet their daily nutritional needs. Snacks based on fruit and vegetables, reduced fat dairy products and whole grains are the healthiest choices. Avoid snacks that are high in sugar or saturated fats – such as chips, cakes and chocolate – which can cause children to put on excess weight. Moreover, healthy mouth and teeth are an important part of a child’s wellness. Adding a dental professional as a resource to your support system can provide ongoing peace of mind for your entire family.
Sedentary or ‘still’ time spent watching TV, surfing online or playing computer games is linked to kids becoming overweight or obese. Children and young people should spend no more than two hours a day on ‘small screen’ entertainment. Break up long periods of use as often as possible. Plan a range of active indoor and outdoor games or activities for your children, as alternatives to watching TV or playing on the computer.
Children need to realize that the world is a better place because they are in it. Understanding the importance of personal contribution can serve as a source of purpose and motivation. Sleep is just as important to your children’s development and well-being as nutrition and physical activity. The amount and quality of sleep we have can affect our safety, how alert we are, as well as our memories, moods, behaviour, and learning abilities. Establishing good sleep practices while your children are young will not only benefit you, but it will help them for many years to come.
Conclusion
People understand that teaching their kids healthy habits, like eating well, exercising, and avoiding harmful substances, make sense, however did we tend to ever stop to consider why we tend to apply them? A healthy habit is any behaviour that edges your physical, mental, and emotional health. These habits improve a person’s overall well-being and build them feel smart.
Healthy habits are laborious to develop and infrequently need dynamic a person’s mind-set. However, if you’re willing to create sacrifices to higher your health, the impact may be sweeping, irrespective of your age, sex, or ability. This post-study report enlightens the impact of food and inactivity in kids’ manner. A gaggle of candidates were chosen to hold out the study. Their habits, daily activities, and kind of food intakes were studied throughout a series of interviews. In general, this report can embody a short introduction of youngsters whose habits and intake patterns were studied. The study was meted out through individual interviews with every child and their parents. Followed by a short introduction, every kid’s habits and activities are warily explained. Later on, the unhealthy habits of youngsters were known rigorously. The subsequent post-study report are terminated with suggestive ideas towards a healthy manner.