Why to Start Healthy Habits at an Early Age

Learning healthy habits at a young age is important for living a fulfilling lifestyle as an adult. Although it is possible to change bad habits later on in life, it can be much more difficult as you deal with the stressors of work, family and other obligations, as well as potential medical conditions brought on by a lifetime of bad habits. Teach the importance of wellness at an early age to set kids and teens up for a lifetime of healthy living.

Long-Term Habits

Starting healthy habits at an early age makes it much easier to stick to them later in life. According to Psychology Today, habits that develop early in life can be very difficult to change -- good news if you're trying to maintain those healthy habits. For example, i you ate a lot of vegetables as a child, you're more likely to consume them as an adult. Furthermore, you're also less likely to begin bad habits later in life, such as eating too much junk food, soda pop and fried foods, if you didn't eat them as a child.

Develop Healthy Preferences

The Importance of Physical Fitness as a Teenager

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Learning to eat healthfully at a young age can adapt your palate to preferring healthy foods. Psychology Today states that even if healthy food is available, college-age students will revert to eating junk foods available from their childhood when they are feeling stressed. Beginning healthy habits as a child could mean those junk food cravings are less likely to hit.

Medical Illnesses

According to health website GreenFacts, adopting healthy habits early on in life decreases the risk of serious health problems as you get older. Many medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, are related to poor dietary habits and lack of exercise. Unhealthy eating habits contributes to high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels and high blood sugar. The prevention and treatment of these diseases includes altering lifestyle to eat a healthy diet and engaging in a regular exercise routine. According to U.S. News and World Report, healthy lifestyle habits including physical exercise, diet and weight management, cuts the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Weight Management

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According to the World Health Organization, more than 42 million children worldwide are categorized as obese. Childhood obesity increases the risks of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes, both serious illnesses that can lead to death if not treated properly. Furthermore, according to CNN, children that are overweight are more likely to be bullied, which can lead to both physical and mental distress. Adopting healthy eating habits early in life aids decreases the risks of weight gain. Kids should eat a healthy balance of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and healthy fats.