Parenting from diet perspective
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Some more great advice. Thanks everyone! I hope this can help some people in the future! Keep em coming
p.s.Me and my wife agreed that weighing her was probably a bad idea but we are cutting back on carbs5 -
Sounds like a good plan.
I try to reduce what I consider to be "bad carbs" for my kids. I'll have a ton of fruit and vegetables available. I'm not kidding. I bought them 6 lbs of oranges yesterday and it is already half gone. I will often leave nuts on the table to snack on. I don't keep cracker, cookies or chips in the house unless we have some occasion to eat them, like company. I also buy a lot of snackable meats and cheese.
My kids like to snack and graze. They are homeschooled so it is hard to stop it, but they eat foods that I would worry about less.... I don't even have granulated sugar in the house right now. LOL4 -
I agree kids need special concern.
Dieting is negative to me. 2.5 years ago at the age of 63 I decided to never diet again but to only go for pain management which is totally positive. While I chose to eat a LCHF macro I really do not limit when and how much as long it is positive for pain management.
There is no reason for a 9 year old to loose weight unless morbid obese in my view.
Just go a year or two without gaining more weight and check her BMI and go from there.
There is no advice going to come from strangers that can be blindly acted on remotely. As one person said, When in a hole stop digging. Time is on her side IF she can get the macro that works for her today (expect change down the road however).
Best of success.0 -
She's 9. She's overweight because of what you guys have taught her in your house. Sorry, but that's the truth of it. She's not doing the grocery shopping. You and your wife have both eaten in a less than ideal fashion to have the need to lose weight and she has learned that from you. Throw the junk food out, put good meat and veg on the table, in appropriate portions, keep some fruit and dairy around as snacks (not icecream) and teach her how to eat. Limit the computer and TV use and engage in some outside activities. Doesn't even have to be "exercise" - just doing stuff like kids are supposed to.
I don't say the above to be mean, but a 9yo should not need to go on a diet or have weight problems.
I'm keto, but it doesn't have to be keto. I probably would not need to eat keto now if my parents hadn't practically force fed me huge meals as a child - end result 120kg and pre-diabetic at 38.3 -
tcunbeliever wrote: »At 9 years old you and your wife must control nearly all of her food consumption. The biggest issue is for you and your wife to get on the same page about how to feed her a nutritionally healthy diet - what foods to restrict to what times - like sugar only once a week on a weekend, or starchy foods only every other day, or whatever you two can agree is going to meet her nutritional needs without setting her up for health problems.
I don't have any keto kids, but a friend of mine has a 12 year old on keto for health reasons...her doctors have her in several times a year for testing certain nutrient levels and bone density, if you are going to go that route please consider medical supervision.
Medicinal keto is generally different than dietary keto. When keto is used for medical purposes, it's often more restrictive of protein and other sources of nutrients (to the tune of as much as 90% fat), and some (usually archaic) versions even restrict calories and water intake. Additionally, the doctors, themselves, are going to be overly cautious, even with newer, more nutritionally sound variations, because of the outdated information and the fact that it's a non-conventional way of eating, and it's children (and if you're a parent, you are probably quite aware of the pressure for perfection even in impossible circumstances and the constant "what ifs" and "if onlys" that often come along with parenthood in general).
That said, I think intentionally going keto for kids is generally unnecessary. They'll go in and out of ketosis naturally as long as they're not constantly eating and are active. I agree that dieting isn't the way to go about it, and the parents need to get on the same page and model mindful eating and food choices.
If she is actually overweight and showing signs of metabolic distress, I second the recommendation to cut out wheat and reduce sugar, as those are the two most common culprits for dysfunctional weight gain. That can be done without drastically reducing carbs.1 -
Just my non-professional suggestions. Experience is growing up in an overweight household that provided crappy food and didn't encourage activity.
-Throw out the scale and don't let her on one again.
-Start teaching her what a healthy LIFESTYLE is. Take walks with her, encourage her to play outside (play with her if you have to) and get involved in some sort of sport or activity (from soccer and karate to girl scouts - being involved in something is such a great influence on so many levels).
-STOP providing crappy food. You are the parent of a 9 year old. She can't just go buy whatever she wants to eat it. Stop buying packaged/instant junk and allowing her to eat it. It will start an addiction that will diminish her health for years to come. She might complain and get upset and even tell you she hates you........but I promise in the long run it is for everyone's benefit. ((Sorry if this seems assumption like, but most 9 year olds don't become overweight by eating too many fruits and veggies and quality meats)).
-Make sure you lavish her with positive comments to help her build self-esteem. Don't just say "you are beautiful" or "you don't need to lose weight". Be specific and don't lie - say stuff like "you are so funny", "your eyes are always sparkling" or "you dress yourself well".
-You need to set the example. Your wife and you both need to be firm in your stance and stand together. You also need to practice was you preach.
Sorry if this sounds rough or judgmental - I think it's fantastic you are already involved and want to change things. I just became very overweight by the time I was 21 and was at a REALLY bad place. I figured out a way to turn my life around and am no much healthier and happier (though still fighting that sugar addiction and still have some weight to lose - 5 years later). My parents and sister never changed their lifestyle and are still super overweight and the health problems are starting to mount up on them. It is sad and scary. I wish my parents would have known what I know now back when I was a kid (they still refuse to know it too).....I'd be looking forward to having them be grandparents vs being scared they won't be alive to see me have kids.
I wish you and your family all the best!!!1 -
My mom always went between telling me I needed to watch my weight and that I would grow out of it. I'm 31, and I'm just getting a grasp on my weight now. I wish we would have eaten better growing up.
My kiddo's issues are around junk. Daycare feeds him junk. Grandparents feed him junk-my mom equates food to love. He had THIRTEEN cream filled vanilla cookies when he was there Friday. He is 3. My parents loved it. I was so mad when I found out, and they told me lighten up. I'm fighting an uphill battle with external influences.2 -
I eat low carb. I do not eat wheat cause it makes me feel like garbage. I do not eat sugar cause I don't want Diabeties..was prediabetic before changes.
my daughter is overweight and 12. we got rid of most of the crap in the house and jave focused on a healthier family not her individually. everyone is encouraged to have balanced meals from numerous food groups with grains being optional. this stops the carb monsters. instead of a plate of hashbrowns you get a serving.... choose a fruit/veggie and protien/fat and if still hungry can have more potatoes..they are ..never hungryfor seconds. I also have a within normal range (was underweight) child so he looks healthy but poor choices still unhealthy regardless.of weigjt. my approach has been health rather than weight and it is going well. I avoid saying foods will help or hurt weight loss but focus on food as fuel for body and serving sizes. must have a variety on your plate.
I have a list of healthy snack options on tje fridge for after school snack choices. they help themselves to these. I do a menu for b l and dinner for the week. Kids help so they jave what they like and i balance the days. I do not limit food but the choices are healthy.6 -
rugged1529 wrote: »Thanks everyone for your comments so far. great advice.How old is your daughter if you don't mind me asking? Only because if she is still very young I would recommend enforcing a healthier way of eating instead of 'dieting'. This is the point of her life you want to encourage her to make a healthy relationship with food, instead of it being the constant battle most of us have grown to know.
I can't believe I forgot to mention how old my daughter is! She is 9 years old. I'm not forcing keto on her but I definitely want to lower her carbs or educate her about it.
My son is 9, his neurologist suggested Keto because he has Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy (The Keto diet was originally for people with Epilepsy). I agree with the previous comments definitely get a doc opinion and have them monitor everything. My sons neurologist insisted that if we went that route that we keep a journal and see her weekly for the first few months.1 -
The journal is an awesome idea. I wish I had started one 2.5 years ago when I went Keto. At the time my thinking was not as clear and my focus was staying alive until I could learned how to walk death backwards.
Some parents have great success moving kids to Keto but I think they were much under age 9 plus they may have been home schooled.
Best of success in getting the kids to eat a less inflammatory way.1 -
GaleHawkins wrote: »The journal is an awesome idea. I wish I had started one 2.5 years ago when I went Keto. At the time my thinking was not as clear and my focus was staying alive until I could learned how to walk death backwards.
Some parents have great success moving kids to Keto but I think they were much under age 9 plus they may have been home schooled.
Best of success in getting the kids to eat a less inflammatory way.
My kids have always loved their fruits and veggies, hard to get them to finish their meat but they always ask for 2nds on the fruits and veggies lol, but I've raised them this way. We don't go to fast food, we garden and grow most of what we eat and I can things for the winter (Live in Michigan winters are LONG lol) I've been lucky enough to start them on the right foot from the start, I also grew up in a house where food was shoved in my face and I had to finish every bite, my mother is overweight and has been her whole life. It's taken me YEARS to reverse what bad eating as a child/teen has done to my body, I promised myself my children wouldn't grow up like that. I always tell people when they ask me how I managed to have kids who aren't picky eaters is "It's the way they've eaten their whole lives, good stuff from the start and they won't beg for the bad stuff" The Keto for my son was solely based on his need for seizure relief because his meds weren't adjusted correctly, now that they are he doesn't need Keto. But if the doc hadn't suggested it I wouldn't have spent months researching it and making out meal plans and finally deciding to try it for myself Glad I did I'm finally making progress again!!!
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my4andme333 wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »The journal is an awesome idea. I wish I had started one 2.5 years ago when I went Keto. At the time my thinking was not as clear and my focus was staying alive until I could learned how to walk death backwards.
Some parents have great success moving kids to Keto but I think they were much under age 9 plus they may have been home schooled.
Best of success in getting the kids to eat a less inflammatory way.
My kids have always loved their fruits and veggies, hard to get them to finish their meat but they always ask for 2nds on the fruits and veggies lol, but I've raised them this way. We don't go to fast food, we garden and grow most of what we eat and I can things for the winter (Live in Michigan winters are LONG lol) I've been lucky enough to start them on the right foot from the start, I also grew up in a house where food was shoved in my face and I had to finish every bite, my mother is overweight and has been her whole life. It's taken me YEARS to reverse what bad eating as a child/teen has done to my body, I promised myself my children wouldn't grow up like that. I always tell people when they ask me how I managed to have kids who aren't picky eaters is "It's the way they've eaten their whole lives, good stuff from the start and they won't beg for the bad stuff" The Keto for my son was solely based on his need for seizure relief because his meds weren't adjusted correctly, now that they are he doesn't need Keto. But if the doc hadn't suggested it I wouldn't have spent months researching it and making out meal plans and finally deciding to try it for myself Glad I did I'm finally making progress again!!!
That is awesome the way you are teaching your kids. Ours came late in life and they are turning 20 this fall. My wife never poked food in their faces because she was made to "clean" her plate because there were other kids starving in the world.
I have been doing Keto for 2.5 years for pain management after the doctors try to get me to start on Enbrel injection. The added cancer risk encouraged me to learn about the Keto Way Of Eating. At my age after I learned Keto was the best way to prevent cancer or recover long term from stage 3 or 4 cancer I have just made it my way of life. Health and health markers are now better at 66 than at 33.
My only real objective is to eat in a way that lowers my C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels year by year. I plan to live to be 110 and my old WOE was going to come up 40 years or more short.
It is great to see great mothers out there putting effort into the way they teach their children to eat. Best of continued learning because it is paying off already.1 -
GaleHawkins wrote: »my4andme333 wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »The journal is an awesome idea. I wish I had started one 2.5 years ago when I went Keto. At the time my thinking was not as clear and my focus was staying alive until I could learned how to walk death backwards.
Some parents have great success moving kids to Keto but I think they were much under age 9 plus they may have been home schooled.
Best of success in getting the kids to eat a less inflammatory way.
My kids have always loved their fruits and veggies, hard to get them to finish their meat but they always ask for 2nds on the fruits and veggies lol, but I've raised them this way. We don't go to fast food, we garden and grow most of what we eat and I can things for the winter (Live in Michigan winters are LONG lol) I've been lucky enough to start them on the right foot from the start, I also grew up in a house where food was shoved in my face and I had to finish every bite, my mother is overweight and has been her whole life. It's taken me YEARS to reverse what bad eating as a child/teen has done to my body, I promised myself my children wouldn't grow up like that. I always tell people when they ask me how I managed to have kids who aren't picky eaters is "It's the way they've eaten their whole lives, good stuff from the start and they won't beg for the bad stuff" The Keto for my son was solely based on his need for seizure relief because his meds weren't adjusted correctly, now that they are he doesn't need Keto. But if the doc hadn't suggested it I wouldn't have spent months researching it and making out meal plans and finally deciding to try it for myself Glad I did I'm finally making progress again!!!
That is awesome the way you are teaching your kids. Ours came late in life and they are turning 20 this fall. My wife never poked food in their faces because she was made to "clean" her plate because there were other kids starving in the world.
I have been doing Keto for 2.5 years for pain management after the doctors try to get me to start on Enbrel injection. The added cancer risk encouraged me to learn about the Keto Way Of Eating. At my age after I learned Keto was the best way to prevent cancer or recover long term from stage 3 or 4 cancer I have just made it my way of life. Health and health markers are now better at 66 than at 33.
My only real objective is to eat in a way that lowers my C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels year by year. I plan to live to be 110 and my old WOE was going to come up 40 years or more short.
It is great to see great mothers out there putting effort into the way they teach their children to eat. Best of continued learning because it is paying off already.
The cancer prevention of the Keto diet is what really got me interested, my younger brother just lost his battle a few months ago, he was 32. My Aunt and cousin both had breast cancer and double mastectomy's my other cousin has a brain tumor. Cancer runs in my family, with 4 children I need to start taking better care of myself so I can be there for them as they grow up and beyond. I am also a domestic violence survivor, my ex-husband is in prison from trying to kill us. So I really am their everything, I need to be there for them for a VERY long time and Keto is helping me do that! Also thank you for putting a smile on my face and making me feel appreciated with the great mother comment
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my4andme333 wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »my4andme333 wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »The journal is an awesome idea. I wish I had started one 2.5 years ago when I went Keto. At the time my thinking was not as clear and my focus was staying alive until I could learned how to walk death backwards.
Some parents have great success moving kids to Keto but I think they were much under age 9 plus they may have been home schooled.
Best of success in getting the kids to eat a less inflammatory way.
My kids have always loved their fruits and veggies, hard to get them to finish their meat but they always ask for 2nds on the fruits and veggies lol, but I've raised them this way. We don't go to fast food, we garden and grow most of what we eat and I can things for the winter (Live in Michigan winters are LONG lol) I've been lucky enough to start them on the right foot from the start, I also grew up in a house where food was shoved in my face and I had to finish every bite, my mother is overweight and has been her whole life. It's taken me YEARS to reverse what bad eating as a child/teen has done to my body, I promised myself my children wouldn't grow up like that. I always tell people when they ask me how I managed to have kids who aren't picky eaters is "It's the way they've eaten their whole lives, good stuff from the start and they won't beg for the bad stuff" The Keto for my son was solely based on his need for seizure relief because his meds weren't adjusted correctly, now that they are he doesn't need Keto. But if the doc hadn't suggested it I wouldn't have spent months researching it and making out meal plans and finally deciding to try it for myself Glad I did I'm finally making progress again!!!
That is awesome the way you are teaching your kids. Ours came late in life and they are turning 20 this fall. My wife never poked food in their faces because she was made to "clean" her plate because there were other kids starving in the world.
I have been doing Keto for 2.5 years for pain management after the doctors try to get me to start on Enbrel injection. The added cancer risk encouraged me to learn about the Keto Way Of Eating. At my age after I learned Keto was the best way to prevent cancer or recover long term from stage 3 or 4 cancer I have just made it my way of life. Health and health markers are now better at 66 than at 33.
My only real objective is to eat in a way that lowers my C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels year by year. I plan to live to be 110 and my old WOE was going to come up 40 years or more short.
It is great to see great mothers out there putting effort into the way they teach their children to eat. Best of continued learning because it is paying off already.
The cancer prevention of the Keto diet is what really got me interested, my younger brother just lost his battle a few months ago, he was 32. My Aunt and cousin both had breast cancer and double mastectomy's my other cousin has a brain tumor. Cancer runs in my family, with 4 children I need to start taking better care of myself so I can be there for them as they grow up and beyond. I am also a domestic violence survivor, my ex-husband is in prison from trying to kill us. So I really am their everything, I need to be there for them for a VERY long time and Keto is helping me do that! Also thank you for putting a smile on my face and making me feel appreciated with the great mother comment
WOW! That is a lot health and other kinds of problems to face yet clearly you are no quitter.
2.5 years ago I had a friend dying with cancer as I started Keto for pain management. I have since put myself through 6-8+ cancer protocols used today around the world. It is amazing what they are doing by way of diet and supplements in the rest of the world to prevent/recover from cancer.
It is not cheap but there is a supplement that has been on the market for 25 years that was designed to resolve brain cancer because it will cross the blood brain barrier so it will travel any place with blood flow. It like all of my cancer protocol supplies comes from Amazon.
Poly MVA is its name. I have been on it for several weeks now and the wife has just started it. We are also dealing with lupus in-house as well as arthritis.
Lowering my C-Reactive Protein (CRP) level is my only real objective anymore since I learned inflammation is required to develop and keep about any disease.2 -
Update: So my wife and my daughter are now eating Keto. My wife started to see my progress and how I was feeling better and losing weight; she started doing her research and decided to jump in with both feet first! and my daughter usually does what my wife does. So in hinds sight all i really had to do is not say anything and just "show" it. Thanks everyone for all the positive and helpful replies!8
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