Bad advice to son?
rowdylibrarian
Posts: 251 Member
Good choice or Crap? My teenage son (16), who is a bit too heavy, has been trying to make healthier choices, and has been doing Extreme Workouts, kettlebells, ropes, etc. with his dad and a Personal Trainer. On our vacation, he ate a lot of junk food, and gained some weight back, probably salt-based. His dad and PT have told him that he can't have any sugar, fruit, bread, or pasta for 7 days "to jumpstart his metabolism" and get him back to where he was before the trip. This seems like it could be Not A Good Thing. Thoughts? Thank you!!!
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Replies
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very bad idea. sounds like a way to set your son up for disordered eating and an unhealthy relationship with food/fitness.0
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You are his parent, not his friend.........good for you for taking his health into consideration
remember, the choices he makes now will affect him his entire life..........You did a good thing0 -
Sounds like mumbo jumbo to me, but then I have always believed in the calories out vs calories in being the only thing that matters for weight loss. Macro balance etc is important for healthy eating but I don't see the evidence that a week of particular foods is going to affect metabolism or that a week of skipping those foods is going to jump start it.0
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I think the no fruit is the worst part, and I would think a teenage boy could use some carbs. I'm not so sure I buy into the jumpstarting metablolism thing either. But at least it's only for a week.0
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7 days is not going to hurt him. I personally would have said it as a balance to all the junk he DID eat on vacation, but I'm a mom, not a trainer. At sixteen, he is old enough to weigh pros and cons, and do his own research - ask him if he likes that choice and what he thinks about it - but DON'T ask him how it makes him feel.0
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You are his parent, not his friend.........good for you for taking his health into consideration
remember, the choices he makes now will affect him his entire life..........You did a good thing
I disagree. Encouraging a 16 year old CHILD to restrict himself from "sugar, fruit, bread, or pasta for 7 days "to jumpstart his metabolism"" is a good idea? How is that taking his HEALTH into consideration?
It's encouraging an emphasis on WEIGHT at the expense of a healthy relationship with food--there is nothing wrong with fruit, bread, or pasta--as long as they are eating in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Telling him not to eat these things just to lose the weight he gained (which is likely water) is basically telling him that his WEIGHT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THIS "HEALTHY" LIFESTYLE he has decided to embark on. That's NOT helping him in my opinion.0 -
can't have any sugar, fruit, bread, or pasta for 7 days "to jumpstart his metabolism"
i don't see how that will work. i always laugh at 'jumpstarting metabolism'
low carb is a wonderful way to go though.
keto flu might suck for him especially since he's still a teen. on the other hand, he might not even notice it.
hope he likes his meat and veggies =D0 -
7 days is just long enough to get him weaned off carbs...and put him through withdrawal where he might get headaches and feel like he's got the flu.
If he's going to give up carbs for a week, he should give them up for SIX, minimum. Then he'll be in ketosis, and he'll see some real weight loss.
However, as soon as he starts back up with carbs again, he'll put more water-weight back on. (read up on glycogen and how it stores water.)0 -
I don't know anything about your son or his health, or this trainer...but it seems a bit extreme, especially for a growing teenager (even an overweight one) and if it were me, attempting to restrict ALL of those things completely would cause a serious binge. Why not just increase the amount of vegetables and healthy protein that he eats, drink some extra water, and continue with the workout routine? I know when I increase my intake of vegetables and fruits, my desire for sugar and pasta decreases.
Vacations happen. It's a part of life...time to just get back on healthy routines, but I don't see the need to go so extreme...unless it's under a doctor's supervision due to serious health issues...
Since I just saw your follow up and realized his dad is your ex...are you and or your ex-husband willing to do this "diet" (because that WOULD be a diet, not a lifestyle) with your son? If not...kind of unfair and unrealistic.0 -
I tend to lean towards the 'this doesn't sound like a great idea' camp, but I also know that for me - it does me good to completely cut something out for a few days to a week to lose my taste for it (ie: cokes, sweets).
Maybe you could encourage him to pay attention to what he is craving after a vacation like that and judge for himself if thinks that
will work for him.
I am really skeptical of the thought that doing that will 'jumpstart' his metabolism.0 -
*Sigh* Why don't people ever specify how much weight is gained? 1, 2, 5, 10 pounds?On our vacation, he ate a lot of junk food, and gained some weight back, probably salt-based.His dad and PT have told him that he can't have any sugar, fruit, bread, or pasta for 7 days "to jumpstart his metabolism" and get him back to where he was before the trip.
I don't think anyone should eat differently to punish themselves for past mistakes. Just move forward and eat good in the future. Sugar, fruit, bread, and pasta are all foods that are easy to over eat calories on but these foods are necessary in at least some limited amount for energy. There's nothing terribly wrong with these foods as long as they're eaten in the proper amounts. I don't see that a special 7 day diet would be of any use. Just start eating good and work on building healthy habits.0 -
You are his parent, not his friend.........good for you for taking his health into consideration
remember, the choices he makes now will affect him his entire life..........You did a good thing
I disagree. Encouraging a 16 year old CHILD to restrict himself from "sugar, fruit, bread, or pasta for 7 days "to jumpstart his metabolism"" is a good idea? How is that taking his HEALTH into consideration?
It's encouraging an emphasis on WEIGHT at the expense of a healthy relationship with food--there is nothing wrong with fruit, bread, or pasta--as long as they are eating in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Telling him not to eat these things just to lose the weight he gained (which is likely water) is basically telling him that his WEIGHT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THIS "HEALTHY" LIFESTYLE he has decided to embark on. That's NOT helping him in my opinion.
Well said.0 -
Sounds like a bunch of well intentioned BS! He probably gained some water weight back. Give it some time to correct itself and try to focus more on being diligent about his caloric goals.
I agree with a previous poster about the effect this type of rationale will have on his relationship with food and fitness. Its one thing to say I had a "guilt free" week on vacation now its time to get back at it and a WHOLE other idea entirely to deprave yourself because of that week.
Children should be taught a healthy relationship with food and nutrition not self deprecating ideals. The goal is to make the HEALTHY lifestyle the norm and the vacations exactly that...VACATIONS!0 -
A week without all of those foods probably wouldn't kill him BUT he does need to get all of his nutrients. He's got a lot of growing to do still. That being said, many adults do go without eating bread, pasta, and added sugars and are extremely healthy.
Highschool is tough and everyone wants to feel and look good.
I say support him in his goals but have a real conversation about health and nutrition.
Way to be concerned! As a teacher, it's great to see a parent who is involved and concerned about their teen!
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honestly talk to his doctor and possibly a dietician for a healthy way to lose weight0
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Omg no, let him have fruit and carbs if he wants, for God's sake! He's a growing boy, not a grown man training for a body building competition... and even if he was, no one needs to cut out all those things to look / feel good or lose weight!0
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Well at least he will learn some valuable lessons,
1) theres a lot of silly theories about weight loss
2) adults / ppl in authority don't know all the answers
3) taking a week off healthy eating has consequences.0 -
*Sigh* Why don't people ever specify how much weight is gained? 1, 2, 5, 10 pounds?On our vacation, he ate a lot of junk food, and gained some weight back, probably salt-based.
My apologies. He said that it was 10 pounds in the 7 days, though I do know that he weighed himself the second time with heavier clothes, in the afternoon versus the morning, after eating, etc. so there would definitely be a difference there.
This is my ex, so I don't really have a lot to say about what he does at his house. I was of the opinion that it was mostly salt-based and that if he made some healthier choices this week and drank extra water, that things would even out and be fine. On our end, we try to focus on talking about healthy habits and getting fit instead of the scale number, and I do worry that this is starting an unhealthy relationship with food. Hence: overprotective tigress mother time!0 -
It won't do jack to jump start his metabolism. He'll probably lose some water weight from the decrease in carbs. As long as he's getting enough protein, fats, and micronutrients it shouldn't really matter in the long run.0
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Please consult your son's DOCTOR. Immediately.0
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Hence: overprotective tigress mother time!
I'm going with 'Mother knows best' - stick by your guns 0 -
Well at least he will learn some valuable lessons,
1) theres a lot of silly theories about weight loss
2) adults / ppl in authority don't know all the answers
3) taking a week off healthy eating has consequences.
4) unless he ate thousands upon thousands of extra calories EVERY day...he gained water weight and it will likely come off quickly once he's back on normal routines
5) see number 1, 2, and 3) 0 -
When I have a weekend with out of town visiting family, I eat what they serve... usually put on 5 lbs or so- mostly water weight. I just drink extra water for a few days and resume normal diet/exercise and usually by Wednesday I'm back to normal. Rarely do I gain more than a pound, beyond water retention.
You should encourage your son to read up on these things... maybe send him the link to this post. Worst case, send him to see a nutritionist for a session if you can afford it.0 -
Good choice or Crap? My teenage son (16), who is a bit too heavy, has been trying to make healthier choices, and has been doing Extreme Workouts, kettlebells, ropes, etc. with his dad and a Personal Trainer. On our vacation, he ate a lot of junk food, and gained some weight back, probably salt-based. His dad and PT have told him that he can't have any sugar, fruit, bread, or pasta for 7 days "to jumpstart his metabolism" and get him back to where he was before the trip. This seems like it could be Not A Good Thing. Thoughts? Thank you!!!
I don't think people are picking up on the fact that you do not agree with this.0 -
You are his parent, not his friend.........good for you for taking his health into consideration
remember, the choices he makes now will affect him his entire life..........You did a good thing
I disagree. Encouraging a 16 year old CHILD to restrict himself from "sugar, fruit, bread, or pasta for 7 days "to jumpstart his metabolism"" is a good idea? How is that taking his HEALTH into consideration?
It's encouraging an emphasis on WEIGHT at the expense of a healthy relationship with food--there is nothing wrong with fruit, bread, or pasta--as long as they are eating in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Telling him not to eat these things just to lose the weight he gained (which is likely water) is basically telling him that his WEIGHT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THIS "HEALTHY" LIFESTYLE he has decided to embark on. That's NOT helping him in my opinion.
Well said.
I'm pretty sure this person was agreeing with her, not saying it's a good idea for him to restrict himself. Am I reading that wrong?? Cause you're jumping all over them when he told her she was being a good parent by being concerned over her son's health.....0 -
You are his parent, not his friend.........good for you for taking his health into consideration
remember, the choices he makes now will affect him his entire life..........You did a good thing
I disagree. Encouraging a 16 year old CHILD to restrict himself from "sugar, fruit, bread, or pasta for 7 days "to jumpstart his metabolism"" is a good idea? How is that taking his HEALTH into consideration?
It's encouraging an emphasis on WEIGHT at the expense of a healthy relationship with food--there is nothing wrong with fruit, bread, or pasta--as long as they are eating in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Telling him not to eat these things just to lose the weight he gained (which is likely water) is basically telling him that his WEIGHT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THIS "HEALTHY" LIFESTYLE he has decided to embark on. That's NOT helping him in my opinion.
I COMPLETELY AGREE.0 -
My apologies. He said that it was 10 pounds in the 7 days, though I do know that he weighed himself the second time with heavier clothes, in the afternoon versus the morning, after eating, etc. so there would definitely be a difference there.
The only weight that counts is first thing in the morning after emptying your bladder in as little clothing as possible. All other times are subject to what you're wearing or what you just drank/ate. Water is 8.34 pounds per gallon. A single 16 oz. bottle of water adds one pound to your weight if you weight yourself right after drinking it. If you drink a 32 oz. Big Gulp of Coke you'll instantly weigh 2 pounds more. That doesn't mean you gained 2 pounds of fat. Most of that is just water.
The energy would be better spent on starting healthy eating habits. Spending an entire week doing something you won't maintain is a waste of time.0 -
Just because he isn't eating simple carbs like bread and pasta doesn't mean he wo'nt get any carbs at all. They are plenty of complex carbs in a TON of vegetables. So I don't see anything wrong with him not eating those things (as well as sugar) because people do tend to over-eat them. I, myself try to keep the simple carbs to a minimum just because I know I could easily eat too much.
I wouldn't take away a kid's fruit. If a kid is going to eat fruit, let them eat it. It's hard enough to get them to anyway haha.0 -
Just because he isn't eating simple carbs like bread and pasta doesn't mean he wo'nt get any carbs at all. They are plenty of complex carbs in a TON of vegetables. So I don't see anything wrong with him not eating those things (as well as sugar) because people do tend to over-eat them. I, myself try to keep the simple carbs to a minimum just because I know I could easily eat too much.
I wouldn't take away a kid's fruit. If a kid is going to eat fruit, let them eat it. It's hard enough to get them to anyway haha.
the point to me is not that he won't get his carbs it's the message being transmitted by telling him not to eat sugar, pasta, fruit, etc. It's not conducive to a healthy body image and a healthy lifestyle long term. Just my opinion.0 -
Good choice or Crap? My teenage son (16), who is a bit too heavy, has been trying to make healthier choices, and has been doing Extreme Workouts, kettlebells, ropes, etc. with his dad and a Personal Trainer. On our vacation, he ate a lot of junk food, and gained some weight back, probably salt-based. His dad and PT have told him that he can't have any sugar, fruit, bread, or pasta for 7 days "to jumpstart his metabolism" and get him back to where he was before the trip. This seems like it could be Not A Good Thing. Thoughts? Thank you!!!
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Seven days isn't bad, basically it looks like the start of the carb diet or hcg diet. As long as he is eating other stuff, he won't become malnourished or anything. All foods have some sugar, so he won't be going completely without. He can use sugar substitute if its that bad, but I don't think there is a bigger bread and fruil lover than I am and I had to go without it for 3 weeks. It won't be fun but its not going to kill him and isn't his health more important anyway? Just how bad does he want it? Besides ask his doctor if you're that worried. I don't think you really have a lot to worry about for 7 days. How old is he? We don't need to be babying our boys all the time. I don't know it this really will start kick his metabolism, but hey let him try it and if you see problems arising then change it. I wouldn't make a big deal out of it if there isn't one to be made. He can always use one of those drink things that is suppose to help with the nutrients and vitamins. Like I said it's only a week. Look at how long he has been going the other way, if that didn't kill him, then 7 days this way certainly want. Ibuprofen or tylenol works great for headaches, but I don't think he'll have a problem as long as he is eating something. As long as he is getting his proteins and vegetables he should be alright. Just let him know this is isn't something that is done all the time, and for goodness gracious, if you, the dad, and the trainer don't make a big deal out of it, then he won't either as far as any eating disorder happening. Teens tend to watch the parents to see how they react and then kind of feed off that.0
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