The first step to prevent obesity in children is to become aware of the fact that it is a very serious problem which is affecting Hispanic children.  It's important to know the consequences of obesity on your child's future and to act on it before it becomes a problem because once your child is overweight it is very difficult to treat.

Prevention starts in pregnancy

Although it may seem surprising, some studies show that a mother's nutrition and weight during pregnancy may affect the child's development of obesity in the future. This is especially true in mothers who suffer from diabetes and pregnancy diabetes and Hispanic women are at a higher risk of developing this illness.

Starting out your pregnancy at the appropriate weight and following a healthy diet during this time will prevent your child being from being born overweight. The myth about eating for two during pregnancy has long been dismissed.

Breastfeeding and cereals

A mother's milk is the best source of nourishment for her child when he is born. Besides studies that show that it may prevent obesity, breastfeeding has many more benefits for your child's health, such as protecting it from infections, diarrhea and other problems.

Nevertheless, due to the fact that breast milk cannot be measured as you can measure formula in a bottle, some mothers become anxious thinking they don't have enough milk or that their baby isn't eating enough.

Before you start giving your baby formula or adding cereal to his milk (which isn't advisable until they are 4 to 6 months) you should ask your pediatrician. If your baby is developing as it should, there is no reason to worry.

Remember that adding cereals to the milk bottle, besides the possibility of your child developing allergies in the future, is a source of extra calories for the baby. If you can, keep breastfeeding your baby for a year, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and longer if possible.

Nutrition at home.

A healthy diet for a child must include five daily small servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, lean meats, fish and dairy products.

Nevertheless, trying to have your children follow such a diet makes little sense if you eat different meals. To prevent obesity it's important to have a family awareness of what eating healthy and being fit entail.

You must focus on healthy habits and not on looks. This means that things are healthy or unhealthy but not referred to as fattening or not. The latter type of thinking may develop into an eating disorder.

Watch out for any weight changes and in your child's eating habits to be able to get help from a nutritionist or your pediatrician if it were necessary.