When it comes to food, kids and teens require a special approach. Shannon Jones offers some advice.
An integral component of CrossFit Kids programming is a focus on nutrition, which is vital to facilitate healthy levels of activity. However, nutrition can be a sensitive topic.
While some of us CrossFit Kids trainers might possess strong opinions on how children should eat, we need to remain cautious in how we present our nutritional information so as not to alienate our clients’ parents. Our most imperative message to families is evolving bodies need prime fuel to learn and grow. Therefore, nutrition is one of the key building blocks for health and fitness in children.
I often get calls from parents unfamiliar with CrossFit requesting information about our CrossFit Kids Zone program because their child needs to “lose some weight.” They see exercise as the most apparent quick fix to this more deeply entrenched problem of childhood obesity. While they are absolutely correct that regular physical activity can help their child gain an advantage—both mentally and physically—what they are often overlooking is the need for proper nutrition inside the home to support physical activity.
But how do you get this message across to parents in a way that will take root?