Despite this progress, much work remains to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic for good. One in every three kids is still overweight or obese across the nation today. And five percent of U.S. children and teens are severely obese, an alarming statistic that is only getting worse according to the American Heart Association.

Schools and families can help by continuing to encourage kids to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Below are our top tips for encouraging kids to exercise, consume produce, limit sugary treats, eat breakfast daily, and turn off the TV:

1. Get moving every day
Not only does exercise help kids burn calories, but it also increases their memory in the classroom, researchers reported last month. Teachers can build physical activity into lesson plans like having kids move around the room to answer true or false math questions. Parents can start family exercise traditions like evening walks. Read more tips for parents and educators.

2. Eat more fresh produce
Eating fruit can help protect kids from obesity. Get kids excited to eat more fresh fruit by serving it in creative combinations, like an apple and cucumber salad or slices of watermelon with a yogurt dipping sauce. In our recent blog, we highlight how Indiana and Pennsylvania are encouraging kids to eat more fruit.

For veggies, launching a school garden can be a great way to engage kids by teaching them about the life cycles of tomatoes, carrots and potatoes. Read tips to get growing here.

3. Cut down on sweet treats
Excess sugar in snacks, sodas and sports drinks is linked to obesity in kids. Yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 67 percent of boys and 48 percent of girls in high school drink at least one sugar sweetened beverage per day. We also know that 75 percent of schools hold one to five fundraisers per year, often bake sales offering cookies and candy.  Check out this round-up of tasty, healthy alternatives to sugary treats.

4. Make the morning meal nutritious and fun
Serving kids a nutritious breakfast can boost their brainpower for the coming school day. In fact, research shows that kids who eat breakfast actually have better verbal fluency and short-term memory in the classroom. Consider your school’s breakfast program or try prepping easy weekday breakfasts like baked oatmeal, a fruit and yogurt buffet or sunflower granola over the weekend. Read more tips for making breakfast healthy, easy and fun for kids in our recent blog.

5. Turn off the TV
When kids sit in front of the TV, they are not only missing out on time that could be spent being active, but they’re also getting exposed to advertisements for sugary cereals, high-calorie sodas and unhealthy fast food meals. Kids ages 11-14 spend about 5 hours a day watching television, according to Making Health Easier. Read ways parents and educators can help cut down kids’ screen time.

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