Childhood obesity was something I struggled with for most of my adolescence. As a teenager, I suffered from so many things like insecurities, depression, and even the pessimistic attitude that took over my life. My attitude took over everything and I started to look and dress exactly how I felt—sloppy and shameful.
I ended up with my nicknames like “Fat boy” or even my mom’s favorite “Gordito” which means chubby in Spanish. She still calls me that till this day! I couldn’t understand how no one else in my family was overweight.
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If you had a mother like mine she thought that being chubby was another way of saying I was healthy. I look back now and wish my parents were a little more conscious of what I was eating. I knew then that if I wanted to make a change, I needed to make that change within myself.
As I got older I realized that I had to take matters into my own hands and make a change in my life as soon as I possible, so that’s exactly what I did. It was hard work that took several sacrifices; it took one small step in front of the other. I began to study fitness and nutrition and once I understood it all, it was only then that I began to adapt it into my current daily lifestyle.
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Now that I am older and know the benefits of living healthy, I joined City Gym Boys, the only fitness company dedicated to mentoring young men and women on the lifelong benefits of fitness and exercise. With City Gym Boys, our mission is to mentor inner city youth on the lifelong benefits of fitness and exercise, to educate the younger ones who have the same mentality that I grew out of.
The Scary Statistics
Can you believe that childhood obesity has more than tripled over the last 30 years? It’s more than a problem of kids being overweight. Being obese can cause some very serious health problems. Obese kids are at greater risk for diabetes, heart disease, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea and of course psychological issues like poor self-esteem.
So what’s the Solution?
Parents, caregivers, and all role models around the world need to set a good example for our youth by eating choosing to eat healthy ourselves.
Create a healthy and happy environment at home. Keep healthy foods in the house like fresh fruit and veggies and whole grain snacks.
Try to limit the storage with junk foods in your home no matter how tempting it may be. If kids want a treat, go out for ice cream but only make it on special occasions. Let them appreciate those family time junk food nights.
Encourage physical activity everyday, and we have to encourage it as a family. Try planning a family walk or bike ride after dinner; join up for a family 5K race, or even just go to the park and toss a Frisbee around.
Turn off the TV and limit time that kids are sedentary in front of the computer.
Get kids involved in meal planning because they are more likely to eat the foods they’ve had a hand in shopping for and cooking.
Most importantly, make the healthy choice, the “cool” choice, by showing kids that you care about your own health too. Don’t just preach—get involved. You’ll help them live healthier while you’re getting healthier too.
Remember our youth mimics what they see at home. So, let’s start today and lead by example.
I’m not saying to keep them away from the sweets and salty snacks, I’m just saying to limit the junk food and give them healthier options. The days they do make unhealthy choices, make sure they are EXTRA active to burn off those bad calories.
Smile & Breathe
KR
Twitter: @KarimRamos
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