We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

What should I talk about re: weight loss & healthy diets?

juliasays77
juliasays77 Posts: 92 Member
edited February 10 in Health and Weight Loss
I've been asked to speak in a sort of informal seminar-type setting about healthy eating and weight loss. The participants are all parents of special-needs children (myself included) and the overall topic of this session is encouraging parents to take care of themselves.

So far, I plan to include a hand out with a sample day's menu, including calorie counts and protein, carb & fat totals vs. goals.

I'll also make sure to underscore the fact that anything I'm telling them is MY philosophy on eating healthy, and that there are many out there. (I'm of the everything in moderation mindset.)

Thanks for any and all suggestions!

Replies

  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    If it were me I would probably stress the ideas of energy balance. I would stress the concept of moderation as it pertains to what we would typically refer to as treats or junk food. I would encourage a diet that is composed of mostly whole and minimally processed foods while still allowing room for treats, so that nothing needs to be entirely eliminated.

    I'd keep it relatively simple and straightforward.
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    This post is full of great information: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    I would stress that one loses weight by eating at a deficit. Most people accomplish this through a combination of diet & exercise. It doesn't matter what you eat--only how much. So portion control & moderation is key. Everybody's different, so weight loss takes a whole lot of trial & error. Never give up.
  • jennifer_a00
    jennifer_a00 Posts: 186 Member
    Since the seminar is about healthy eating, what about bringing some good veggie recipes, or you could talk about trying new or seasonal veggies...
  • Azurite27
    Azurite27 Posts: 554 Member
    I would back up the suggestion for whole foods and less processed but with allowances for favorite foods in moderation. Making small sustainable changes for the rest of their life.
  • mikeroybal
    mikeroybal Posts: 111 Member
    I live in California (sue happy)so I'd always tell people prior to any change in diet/exercise to consult with a Doctor for liability issues.
  • juliasays77
    juliasays77 Posts: 92 Member
    Great ideas so far! Another thing is that time is always an issue for us, so I will definitely talk about meal planning, make-ahead meals, quick meals, and "portable" snacks.
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    I would include some information on the benefits of exercise, beyond just how it helps in weight maintenance. I am the mom of a special needs little guy, and I know that making time for me to go to the gym 2-3 times a week makes a huge difference in being a great mommy to him. I have the energy to get down and play with him, and more patience to deal with his struggles and outbursts (he's almost 100% nonverbal right now).

    Also remind them that the more variety of healthful foods the parents eat, the more likely their little ones will be to try such foods (since nutrition is often an issue for these kids, I've noticed)
  • youdontknowwhatyousaw
    youdontknowwhatyousaw Posts: 221 Member
    I'm not sure if their kids' special needs are physical or mental, but, I suggest stressing how important it is to model good eating and an active lifestyle for their children. Also how important it is to let their children know, you do this because it's good for your body and your mind, not just for weightloss or physical appearance.

    I work in a habilitation day program for adults with mental disabilities. I eat very healthy at work and they have noticed. Food is something everyone can talk about, so they tend discuss their meals a lot, because it's something they can easily hold a conversation about with anyone. They take great pleasure in sharing their healthy food choices with me and I've noticed that clients who used to only bring junky snacky type things to eat will now include a fruit with their meal, so they can share their healthy choice with me. It's not much of a change, but, it's something.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories