“Children who aren’t exposed to healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables may never actually learn to like the flavors of these foods, so it’s important that they’re introduced to healthy foods when they’re young,” Kristi Storoschuk, CF-L1, said during a presentation at the 2022 CrossFit Health Virtual Conference. “When it comes to physical activity, those who grow up active are more likely to seek out physical activity throughout their lifespan.
”Obesity, and especially childhood obesity, is a significant and growing public-health crisis. According to Storoschuk, healthy habit formation, particularly among children and adolescents, can play an important role in the prevention of obesity and related metabolic conditions. Research shows early formation of healthy habits can promote lifelong health and happiness.
“Eating behaviors and our likelihood to seek out physical activity as we age are influenced by the habits we form when we are young,” Storoschuk explained.
“Change is really really hard,” she said, noting it’s easier to adopt a healthy lifestyle early than to try to rewire your system later in life.
The complete CrossFit Health Virtual Conference is available to view through March 30, 2022. CME and CEU credits are available. For more information, please visit conferences.crossfithealth.com.
Healthy Habit Formation in Youth: Building Health and Resilience Through Fitness