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What food can make baby fat


15 Foods to Make Baby Gain Weight – Cafe Baby®

  • by Jeannie Marrugo
  • Mar 10, 2022

If you need to add foods to Baby’s diet to help them in gaining weight, be sure to add these to your grocery list or to your next Café Baby order. Sometimes every extra calorie counts in their tiny bellies. 

If your child needs to be on high calorie fortified infant formula or breast milk, please talk to your pediatrician first. You need to know the right recipe to prevent an excess intake of nutrients to prevent constipation and dehydration.

1. Avocado

Avocados are a sugar-free healthy choice that contributes 2.5 grams of monounsaturated fat and 0.5 gram of polyunsaturated fat per 25-gram serving to Baby's diet. 

2. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are a plant-based protein, or non-heme iron source, rich in most B-vitamins, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain two that are commonly deficient in babies: folate and iron.

3. Eggs

Not only are eggs a prime source of the best-quality proteins after breast milk, but one egg contains thirteen essential minerals like copper, zinc, selenium, calcium, iron, cholesterol, fat, fatty acids, and vitamins like vitamin D, B12, E, choline and folate.

4. Bananas

Bananas are loaded with nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, folate, niacin, and vitamin B6 and can help babies gain weight by increasing calorie density.

5. Mango

Mangoes are rich in fibres and digestive enzymes, which means Baby won't have any trouble going number two. Mangoes are very low in fat but contain lots of good calories which can help Baby gain weight.

6. Lentils

Lentils are low in sodium and saturated fat, and high in potassium, fiber, folate, and plant chemicals called polyphenols that have antioxidant activity.

7. Ground Meat

Did you know it's important to add iron- and zinc-rich foods to Baby's diet? At about six months of age, Baby starts to run out of their natural iron stores that they were born with. Ground meats are an important source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed into the body than non-heme iron (plant-based protein). 

8. Whole Milk Yogurt

The best option is plain, unsweetened, pasteurized yogurt (regular or Greek) made from whole milk and containing "live cultures. " Yogurt made from whole milk is best for Baby because they need the calories and fat in full-fat dairy products.

9. Full-fat Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese has plenty of healthy fats and protein, plus some B vitamins, calcium, selenium, and zinc. To avoid loads of salt, look for options that are:

  • Pasteurized
  • Low in sodium (ideally less than 100mg sodium per serving)
  • Made from whole milk
  • Without added preservatives or sugars

10. Mashed Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes provide nothing but good calories, making it a healthy food option for Baby. The high amount of calories in sweet potatoes help in weight gain and physical development in children.

11. Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes might be mostly white, but that doesn’t mean they don't contain nutrients. They are are a source of fiber-rich carbs, which are one of the best sources of fuel for Baby’s brain. 

12. Mashed Butternut Squash

The Omega-3 fats that are found in butternut squash are present in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, and this is what helps to reduce inflammation.

13. Peanut or Almond Butters

Nut butters can be a source of fibre, protein and healthy fats, as well as minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron and vitamin E. If you're worried about food allergies, check out our blog series about starting solids and allergies. 

14. Fresh Goat Cheese

Fresh goat cheese has lots of protein and healthy fats, plus calcium, copper, iron, and vitamins A, B2, and B6—essential nutrients to power your baby’s growth. When selecting goat cheese for Baby, look for a cheese that is:

  • Pasteurized
  • Low sodium (less than 100mg per serving)
  • Whole fat

15. Cooked Quinoa

Quinoa is a good source of calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. It's also a great source of Omega 3, 6, 9 fatty acids, which are good for Baby's brain and eye development.

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Sources:

https://patient. uwhealth.org/healthfacts/343

https://solidstarts.com/foods/kidney-beans/

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/banana-for-babies-when-to-introduce-health-benefits-and-more/#How_Much_Banana_Can_a_Baby_Eat_in_a_Day 

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/mango-for-babies-health-benefits-and-recipes/#Nutrition_Facts_of_Mango

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/lentils/

https://newwaysnutrition.com/babies/meat-baby/

https://solidstarts.com/foods/cottage-cheese/

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/sweet-potato-for-baby-benefits-and-recipes/#Nutritional_Value_of_Sweet_Potato

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/butternut-squash-for-babies-health-benefits-and-recipes/#Nutritional_Value_of_Butternut_Squash

https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/baby-feeding/when-can-babies-eat-potatoes#benefits

https://www.srnutrition.co.uk/2021/04/peanut-butter-for-babies-when-to-introduce-it-and-which-type/ 

https://solidstarts. com/foods/goat-cheese/

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/is-quinoa-safe-for-babies_00120055/

The Best Foods for Your Baby to Gain Weight

It’s hard to imagine that your little one could be any cuter — but you might be wondering whether they’re growing as fast as they should.

If you’re worried that your baby might weigh too little, bear in mind that newborns normally lose 3–7% (and up to 10%) of their birth weight in their first few days of life, which they regain by about the end of their second week (1, 2, 3).

Until they reach the 6-month mark, infants should gain about 1 pound (0.45 kg) or more each month. They should weigh about triple their birth weight around the end of their first year (1, 2, 3).

Keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and a healthy baby may have different weight gain numbers depending on their birth weight, rate of linear growth, and other factors.

You can ask your baby’s pediatrician about weight gain at any time, such as at their well-baby exam.

If you and your healthcare practitioner have ruled out medical reasons for your baby’s slow weight gain, such as heart or digestive issues, consider feeding them calorie-dense whole foods. These may encourage healthy weight gain (4).

Here are the 7 of the best foods to help your baby gain weight. We’ve grouped them below by age group.

A baby under 6 months that’s putting on less weight than average can be troubling. Since all or most of their calories at this point come from breastmilk, formula, or both, what you can control right now is how often they feed and whether they’re getting enough (4).

1. Breastmilk or infant formula — often and enough

Breastfed newborns will feed every 2–3 hours, so account for 8–12 or more feedings per day for the first 4 months.

Be sure to let your infant fully empty your breast. One reason this is recommended is because hindmilk, which comes out last during a feeding, may be richer than foremilk, which comes out first.

Let your baby feed fully, until your breast feels very soft. This will ensure they’re getting all the milk available, and it sends your body a message to make more.

You can try consuming foods that are thought to increase breastmilk production. These include lactation teas or bars with fenugreek, blessed thistle, or fennel. Oatmeal and dark beer may also help. Still, more research on these solutions is needed (5).

Additionally, avoid wearing tight-fitting bras or tops.

Until your baby begins solid foods, they will not need to drink water. Offer them breastmilk or formula instead to maximize the number of calories you’re getting into their tiny tummies.

Your doctor may also ask about any latching issues and investigate any underlying medical issues that may affect your baby’s nutrient absorption or metabolism at this age.

Speak with a pediatrician for guidance if you’re considering whether to supplement breastfeeding with formula or wondering which formula to choose.

These choices are complicated and depend on many personal factors, and a doctor can help you make informed decisions. You may also consider talking with a lactation consultant.

Most babies will start to show readiness to eat solid foods around the 6-month mark.

Speak with your healthcare professional about when to start your baby on complementary solid foods.

2. Avocado

Whether you’re taking a baby-led weaning approach, a more traditional puréed foods style, or a combination of the two — avocado is a great transitional food for babies starting on solids.

What’s more, avocado’s healthy fats and relatively mild taste make this a great food for when you’re trying to get your baby to gain weight (6, 7).

Mash it up or serve it in thick spears. You can also add it to other foods, such as rice cereal or another fruit.

It’s a good idea to introduce new foods one at a time. This way, if your child has any sort of allergic reaction, you have a better sense of what might have caused it.

3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal cereal is another wonderfully rich food that’s easy to add to your baby’s diet.

To make it, blend plain oats cooked in water, adding water as needed to achieve a soupy texture. To make it heartier, cook and thin out the oatmeal with formula or breastmilk instead. Gradually thicken it as your baby gets more comfortable.

Oatmeal packs lots of fiber, including beta glucan, which is one form of soluble dietary fiber. It promotes the growth of your baby’s beneficial gut bacteria and may encourage bacterial diversity in the gut (8).

What’s more, oatmeal is fairly neutral in taste, which makes it easy to combine with other hearty, healthy foods. For instance, you can spoon in puréed fruit and cinnamon for more flavor.

Avoid honey

Be sure to never feed a baby under 1-year-old honey, as doing so can put them at risk of botulism and pose a choking hazard (9).

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4. Peanut butter

Peanut butter packs protein and fats — both of which can encourage weight gain in your baby.

Keep in mind that peanuts are one of the 8 allergens that can cause the most serious allergic reactions in the United States (10).

The latest evidence supports feeding infants as young as 6 months foods that commonly cause allergies. This includes peanuts. Research suggests this approach may actually help prevent allergies from developing (11, 12).

You’ll want to introduce allergenic foods methodically, always one at a time and introducing new, higher-risk foods at least a week apart.

It’s important to feed these to your baby on a regular basis — always watching for signs of allergies, including hives, redness around the mouth, or wheezing. If this occurs, seek medical help immediately (11, 12).

Never feed your baby peanut butter straight from the jar, as doing so may pose a choking hazard.

The best way to feed them natural peanut butter, or any other type of nut butter, is to blend them with either warm water, applesauce, breast milk or formula, or — if you’ve already introduced dairy — yogurt.

You can add it to oatmeal for added richness.

If your child is at a higher risk of allergies or has had eczema, speak with a healthcare professional before feeding them any nut butters or higher-risk foods.

They may advise waiting until they’re older and then want to supervise this in their office or suggest an allergy test first (13).

8 most common food allergies

  • cow’s milk
  • eggs
  • fish
  • crustacean shellfish, like shrimp
  • wheat
  • soy
  • peanuts
  • tree nuts

Learn more about food allergies here.

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5. Eggs

Eggs are another powerhouse food that’s great for infants and adults alike. They provide a filling combination of fats and protein. They’re often gentle on the stomach, versatile, and easy to prepare (14,15).

Be mindful because this is another common allergenic food that you’ll want to introduce slowly and methodically. Keep an eye open for an allergic reaction. Seek immediate emergency care if your baby is wheezing or having trouble breathing (11, 12).

Once eggs are a mainstay in your baby’s diet, you could try scrambling them and sprinkling in some cheese and veggies for added nutrients.

You can also use eggs in other dishes. For example, try adding them to rice with cheese and veggies for some quick rice patties, then cut these into strips to serve.

You certainly don’t have to hold off until the 9-month mark to introduce fish, but it might be easier for babies to handle the texture at this age than earlier in life.

6. Fish

Fish delivers protein and healthy fats that are vital to your little one’s growth. Do be mindful to seek out low mercury fish, like salmon, herring, and trout (16).

Furthermore, these and other fish contain brain-nourishing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that’s essential for proper brain development in early childhood (17).

Pair fish with a rich lemon full fat yogurt dip or marinara sauce for added nutrients.

It seems counterintuitive, but when babies hit their 12-month milestone, you may find they’re eating less.

This is because their growth rate slows. In fact, most toddlers will only put on about 5 pounds between their first and second birthday (18).

Of course, they’re still growing and needing lots of nourishment — they are simply not growing quite as rapidly as they were in those first 12 months of life.

So, don’t be worried if your champion eater suddenly slows down or plateaus at this phase. If they still have the energy to play and seem alert, they’re probably doing just fine.

7. Olive or avocado oils

Your toddler should get a fair amount of healthy fats. In fact, 30–40% of your toddler’s calories should come from fats (19).

They need roughly 1,000-1400 calories each day at this age, so that translates to about 30–50 grams of fat per day (19).

If your toddler needs a bit more support, consider adding a splash of olive oil or avocado oil to their food, about 1/4–1/2 tablespoon (4–7 mL) to start. You can add it into a bowl of soup or hummus or sop some whole grain bread into it.

Take care not to feed your baby too much oil, as doing so could cause gastric upset or diarrhea.

If your baby has energy to play and is tracking along with developmental milestones, they’re probably growing just fine.

Unless a healthcare professional has identified an issue with your baby’s weight, you probably don’t need to worry.

Keep in mind that babies born prematurely and those with special health needs may not track along with general growth charts.

That said, parental instinct is real. Always voice any concerns with your child’s healthcare professional. Take note of what exactly you observe that troubles you, in as much detail as possible.

For example, you could record the times, dates, and amounts and types of food your child has eaten.

If your baby seems lethargic, is refusing to feed, or isn’t meeting developmental milestones, you should make an appointment to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician.

In addition to a medical evaluation, they may refer you to another specialist, lactation consultant, occupational therapist, or dietitian.

Your little one’s early nutrition can have lifelong impacts. Making sure they’re getting enough to eat — and growing enough — is a concern for many parents.

If your child is not tracking along or suddenly not feeding as well as they used to, speak with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying causes. Do keep in mind that babies’ food intake normally slows at around the 12-month mark.

There are many wonderful, nourishing foods to help support your baby’s growth — including eggs, avocados, and peanut butter.

If they’re younger, or under 6 months, try to provide enough opportunities for them to breastfeed or drink enough formula according to their hunger cues.

All that said, if your little one seems alert, is meeting the developmental milestones for their age, and has enough energy to play, they’re probably getting enough to eat.

Just one thing

Try this today: The article 21 Homemade Baby Food Recipes is a great resource with tips on how to make a variety of tasty, nutritious meals for your baby once they start eating solid foods.

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Treatment of obesity in children | causes, diet, nutrition

In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of children and adolescents who have problems with being overweight. Excessive deposition of adipose tissue in the body, that is, obesity, is a disease that must be treated. Obesity in children can lead to serious health problems: diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (constipation, diarrhea, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, etc.), cardiovascular system (arterial hypertension, heart problems), atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes , sexual development disorders, endocrine and metabolic disorders, arthrosis, sleep apnea, bulimia, anorexia, etc. And this, not to mention psychological difficulties, problems with self-esteem, complexes, ridicule of classmates . .. In general, if you suspect your child has excess weight - do not let things take their course, contact an endocrinologist!

Our consultant: Natalya Vladimirovna Michurina, endocrinologist, nutritionist of the Euromed clinic.

How to determine the presence of obesity?

Obesity in a child, just like in an adult, is based on measuring the body mass index (the ratio of height to weight, calculated by the formula: body weight (kg) / [height (m)] 2), as well as anthropometric measurements: the doctor looks at the circumference waist, hips.

Obesity diagnosis is set when the actual body weight of the child exceeds the age limit by more than 15%, and the body mass index exceeds 30.

Causes of obesity in children

The development of obesity, as a rule, is influenced by both genetic predisposition and lifestyle. In fact, excess weight appears when there is an energy imbalance - when more calories are consumed than are spent. That is, in other words, with an unbalanced diet, overeating and low physical activity.

In addition, obesity can develop due to serious pathological conditions and genetic diseases.

Children who are overweight usually don't eat the healthiest foods. Their diet is dominated by fast carbohydrates: baked goods, sweets, desserts, juices, carbonated drinks; as well as fats: fast food, fried, fatty foods. At the same time, protein, fiber and water are very small.

Physical activity for modern children is also not enough: they spend most of the day sitting at their desks at school, doing their homework, playing computer games, watching TV or a tablet. That is, children have a fairly intense mental load, but there is a catastrophic lack of movement.

If obesity is detected, the doctor will most likely recommend performing a biochemical blood test, a study of the hormonal profile. Your child may need to perform an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, an ultrasound of the abdominal organs, an MRI of the pituitary gland, and some other examinations. In addition to the help of an endocrinologist, a child may need to consult a neurologist, geneticist, gastroenterologist, cardiologist, orthopedist, psychotherapist and other specialists.

Types of obesity

Depending on the causes of occurrence, two forms of obesity are distinguished: primary and secondary.

Primary may be associated with hereditary predisposition (exogenous-constitutional) and associated with malnutrition (alimentary). In such cases, the family plays a huge role in the formation of obesity, since the peculiarities of nutrition and lifestyle, the desire to play sports, are instilled primarily by parents.

When we talk about a hereditary predisposition, we are not talking about the fact that excess weight is inherited - the features of the flow of metabolic processes in the body are genetically determined. That is, how fast the child's metabolism depends on heredity, how quickly he will gain weight when overeating.

Nutritional obesity, most often, occurs during critical periods of development: up to 3 years, in early childhood (the risk group for obesity includes children weighing more than 4 kg at birth, gaining too much weight monthly, being bottle-fed ), preschool age, at 5-7 years old, and during puberty - at 12-16 years old.

Secondary obesity occurs as a result of various congenital and acquired diseases: endocrinopathies, lesions of the central nervous system, psychopathological conditions, etc. Most often, endocrine diseases lead to secondary obesity (problems with the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, ovaries in girls). Thus, obesity can be a symptom of the disease, but only a doctor can deal with this.

There are four degrees of obesity in children:

  • Obesity I degree - the body weight of the child exceeds the norm by 15-24%.

  • Obesity II degree - the body weight of the child exceeds the norm by 25-49%.

  • Obesity III degree - the body weight of the child exceeds the norm by 50–99%.

  • Obesity IV degree - body weight exceeds the allowable age norm by more than 100%.

Treatment of obesity

In the treatment of obesity, the main measures are aimed at reducing body weight and preventing subsequent weight gain.

If obesity is secondary, then the doctor will begin with the treatment of the pathology that provokes the development of obesity. But both with primary and secondary obesity, to reduce body weight, a change in the child's lifestyle is necessary: ​​correction of the diet and rational physical activity.

First of all, it is recommended to limit foods containing animal fats and fast carbohydrates in the child's diet. Meals should be 5-7 meals a day. Together with the doctor, the daily calorie intake for the child is calculated, and parents must comply with it.

In parallel with changing the diet, it is necessary to change the motor mode of the child. For very young children, long walks and outdoor games are recommended, preschoolers and schoolchildren need to add age-appropriate sports activities (swimming, cycling, athletics, etc.). It is important to understand that a doctor can determine the causes of obesity and give detailed recommendations, but parents should control the child's nutrition and physical activity. And you need to take it as seriously as possible!

Prevention of obesity

Any problem is easier to prevent than to treat. Therefore, the task of parents from the earliest age of the child is to organize an adequate diet and physical activity for him.

Set the goal of developing healthy eating habits in your child, instill in him a love for healthy proper nutrition. Do not abuse fast food and sweets - the later your child gets to know these products, the better. The child's diet should consist of a large number of vegetables, fruits, complex carbohydrates (cereals, whole grain bread), lean meat, fish, low-fat dairy products.

Instill in your child a love of movement. With the little ones, you can do gymnastics and visit the pool (children's pools accept babies from two months old), walk in the fresh air as much as possible. When the baby starts walking - do not limit him, let him walk, run, fall, get dirty, hit - he will learn the world through movement.

When the child grows up, enroll him in the sports section. Now there are a huge number of circles for children of various levels of training. Choose with your child what kind of sport he likes: running, dancing, cycling, skiing, figure skating, hockey, football, basketball, swimming, wrestling - there are a lot of options. Be sure to support your child's passion for sports.

Of course, it is important that parents show their child an example of a healthy lifestyle, you will agree that you cannot convince a child to eat broccoli and steam cutlets at a time when you yourself are having dinner with french fries. Yes, and such nutrition is not useful for parents, but motor loads are necessary. So organize a healthy lifestyle for the whole family - and you will avoid serious health problems for yourself and your child.

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doctor's advice for parents - Into-Sana

How to lose weight for a child? Why do children gain weight? What are the dangers of being overweight and childhood obesity? These questions are answered by the pediatrician of the first category, the pediatric gastroenterologist of the Into-Sana medical centers, Polischuk Tatiana Sergeevna, from the portal The only one.

How to lose weight for a child: child weight norms

Parents should definitely know that the most intense accumulation of fat occurs in infants under 1 year old, at the age of 5-7 years, in adolescents 12-17 years old. Moreover, only 1% of children are overweight due to genetic or endocrine pathology.

All other cases of obesity in children are associated with excessive intake of food in the body or with an unbalanced diet, in other words, with overeating, or with an incorrect sedentary lifestyle.

By the age of 6 months, the baby should double its initial weight, by 12 months - triple. After a year, children gain about 2 kg per year (up to 5 years). At the age of 5, the average weight is 18-22 kg, at 10 years old 28-34 kg, at 12 years old 36-45 kg. An approximate calculation of the body weight of a child from 2 to 5 years old can be carried out according to the following formula: M \u003d 10 + 2n, where n is the child's age in years.

After 10 years, the annual increase is 4 kg, the formula for the calculation will be: M = 30 + 4 (n-10), where 30 is the average weight of a child at 10 years old, n is the age of the child. Pediatricians have special tables for assessing the weight and height of the child.

Obesity has long been recognized as a disease. In medicine, obesity (overnutrition) is defined as a chronic disease characterized by generalized excessive accumulation of fat in the subcutaneous tissue and other tissues of the body, weight gain, and metabolic disorders.

Why are doctors so worried when a child gains weight?

Yes, because if you do not take appropriate measures to normalize weight in time, it can come into adulthood with a whole range of serious illnesses: high blood pressure, disruption of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, diabetes mellitus, fatty degeneration of the liver, cholelithiasis , pathology of the reproductive system.

Obesity occurs when caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure. The most important factor in the increase in the incidence of obesity is the consumption of high-fat foods, as well as a rich diet high in digestible carbohydrates, especially in the evening. It is difficult to deny that today the decrease in physical activity is rapidly progressing: children spend more and more time in front of the TV, at the computer, less and less prefer walking and outdoor games.

How to lose weight for a child: top tips

The first and most difficult step for parents is to admit that their child is overweight. If parents are aware of the fact that a child needs help with weight loss, this is already half the battle on the road to success. The second point is the realization that the fight against obesity is a long process, psychologically difficult for the child and his family members.

Food for a child can be, first of all, a source of pleasure, a way of avoiding problems at school or in the family, "jamming" complexes - as a result, the development of overweight, obesity, diabetes, etc. And here it can be difficult for parents to understand the essence of the problem. Psychologists and psychotherapists will come to the rescue.

It is not an easy task for parents to explain to a child why it is necessary to change his eating habits. By no means can it be said that his diet has changed because he is fat. When telling your child about food, explain that we owe our well-being and health to the foods we eat, that food should be healthy and complete.

As a rule, children of overweight parents become overweight due to "inheritance" of eating habits. It is in the family that we get used to eating this way and not otherwise. Have you ever wondered where sweets, cakes, cookies come from in your house? That's right, you bought it yourself.

The habit of buying “something sweet for tea” takes root very quickly, but this is definitely not a tradition that will bring peace and harmony to the family. Try instead of sweets to buy more fruits, vegetables, greens, fish, natural meat.

Avoid when buying sausages, sausages, mayonnaise, convenience foods. And for cooking, try to use methods without adding fat - do not fry, but bake or use stewing, boil, steam. Do not allow the child to eat in front of the TV, while reading a book: if he is carried away, he will eat much more; prohibit the use of chips, nuts, popcorn, chocolate and waffle bars. The whole family needs to eat right. Many people have to change their eating habits. Limit the use of bakery products, pasta, dumplings, jams for the whole family, exclude semolina.

Lean meats, lean fish, eggs, dairy products (preferably in the form of fermented milk drinks, cottage cheese) must be included in the diet. And for tea you can buy dried fruits - raisins, dried apricots, prunes. The main thing when a child follows a low-calorie diet is the support of all family members, a favorable attitude, encouragement and faith in a good result.

Remember that the only way to correct primary obesity is to reduce caloric intake and increase physical activity. If you practice a passive sedentary lifestyle, and when you come home, after a hearty dinner, sit on the couch in front of the TV, your child will certainly learn the same style.

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