Our dd is 7 and she is a little over weight, by about 10 lbs. or less. I want to help her lose these 10 lbs. but not make her feel self conscience or diet crazy. So I cleaned the house of nearly all candy. There's a few "treats" that I'll give on rare occasions, everything in moderation you know. And those treats are like 100 cal packs, etc. We have ampped up our activity level and have been going to the park more, we bought her a new bike she's learning to ride, we installed a new pool (not a real big one). But really have made an effort to get the family more active as a whole. We Do Not eat cakes, cookies, baked goods of any kind very often, b/c our other dd is has food allergies to Gluten, etc.
So does anyone have any suggestions? Any great ideas to help us? Any great menu ideas? This may sound really strange but with the menu ideas, I need ones that use normal ( hope this doesn't sound bad) ingredients. Our dd w/ Autism has a hard time w/ things that are to different. And it's really hard to make so many dinners, etc.
But I'll take all the advice, suggestions, etc. that you have. Thanks so much!
It sounds like you're doing the right things. Personally, I just make sure my child gets the recommended fruit, veggies, and whole grains and then limit sugars. Plus I make sure my child gets a decent amount of activity, even in the winter. Besides that, I don't worry too much because it's not a good idea to put a child on a diet, especial without a doctor's help. My mom did that to me, and my metabolism is all messed up. I wish she hadn't done that to me.
Here is my 2 cents:
10 pounds over, I would not suggest going "diet" crazy, or making huge changes. I would however, encourage portions (read the label what is a serving?), and a balanced diet. Homecooked as often as possible, increase veggie/fruit servings.
The main thing I would suggest (for 10 pounds) is activity... which it sounds like you are doing. Biking, swimming, walking, even using a playground, as far as winter goes (I am not sure where you are) look at the town parks & rec. programs. I signed my son up for a beginner karate program... he was the only child in the class. The man teaching it was great, he went the importance of proper eating habits (he didn't like to use the word diet with children), physical activity, and sleep.
If you have a dog start walking it as a family. If you don't and know someone with one, maybe an older neighbor, ask them if you can walk it. My sons will volunteer to walk our dogs (although i think for one of them a girl might be involved).
Look into joining the YMCA if you have one. THey offer all kinds of programs, and various payment options.
Wife to John, Mom to John, Garrett, CJ and Alex
"Your stupidity is my husbands job security."
"I have one designer thing in my house, and it's a dog."
I suggest keeping up with the outside activities. Doing them with her will be great for everyone and drink lots of water when your doing these activites. Also, i would not focus on the food. If she's not eating lots of junk normally than just let it be. You don't want her to develop a bad relationship with food now, this could hurt her more later on. Just by increasing her activity level she should lose that 10 pounds very quickly.
I think you are doing well. Upping activity and not eating junk is good. For ALL kids, not just those with some extra weight. At that age she should be playing constantly anyway. And just offer fruits and veggies as snacks. Make your food homemade, non-processed as possible and REAL. I am a huge advocate of real food. I don't believe in using splenda instead of sugar or margarine over butter.
I think you are making all right changes and adjustments to see a difference. Increased activity should make huge difference.
What types of foods will your dd eat?Is is mostly starchy and carbs or will she eat some foods from different food groups? Does she have any food allergies?
It's hard to give recipes without having a starting point.
Quoting mumsy2three:
I think you are making all right changes and adjustments to see a difference. Increased activity should make huge difference.
What types of foods will your dd eat?Is is mostly starchy and carbs or will she eat some foods from different food groups? Does she have any food allergies?
It's hard to give recipes without having a starting point.
She likes some veggies, carrots & dip, celrery & peanut butter, corn. Oh and she LOVES salad and dip. She does eat all meats, except fish, we don't eat fish much at all, hubby strongly dislikes it. She does like her carbs :) She eats all fruit. She doesn't have any food allergies. Our other dd has tons. But she also hesitates to try anything that looks to different or smells funny. lol Sorry, she just won't do it. Like she won't touch Sloppy Joes, baked beans, potato/ mac. salad, etc.
MEMORIAL DAY
- teralg
on Jul. 19, 2010 at 8:18 AM