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More protein than this, which is typical with an animal-based diet, is associated with multiple health problems
If you have a question or concern about healthy dietary choices, send it to us in an e-mail message, and we'll forward it to Dr.
Attwood.
Overweight Child
We have a 10 year old
girl who weighs 123 pounds. Needless to say we are very concerned. We have tried talking,
exercising with her and even tried being blunt with her to make her more aware of her diet
and the foods she eats. Nothing seems to be working.
I know what she is going through because I have always been fat until just recently I lost
100 pounds and tried to use myself as an example. She just doesn't understand what I'm
trying to say. Today there were kids making fun of her at school and one of her
little friends just about got into a fist fight with them. Do you have any suggestions for
us.
Yes, I have a strong
suggestion. Be persistent and this will work. It always does. Use my book as a guide. Take
her grocery shopping with you regularly (about once a month). Spend most of your time in
the produce section and show her the various fruits and vegeables, explaining each one.
Deeper colors are more healthful, etc. Go to the grain asile and talk about the dark colors of breads, rice, pasta, and cereal meaning "whole grain" and more fiber. Pass up the bakery, snack, milk, and meat counters.
Now for the key: Take home only the foods from the produce, grain, and legume aisles. She will realize that this is the only kind of food this family eats. I'm underlinine the word "family." When you serve her this food and she says, "No," explain that this healthy food is the only kind we have in the house. I call this "tough-love at the dinner table." Your child will learn to love these foods and she will lose weight. Sure, she will eat other foods away from home, but if you are consistent, she will eventually learn to appreciate the foods she eats at home.
Your Turn: Post your comments and suggestions on this topic.
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