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Do you think parents should teach their kids how to count calories?
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I'm maybe coming from a different angle here as I've never been over weight and I don't count calories to lose weight, I count calories to keep myself healthy after battling anorexia. There will come a time when I will have to explain it to my daughter. I plan on telling her that once, many years ago mommy was very sick because she didn't eat enough food and ended up in the hospital. When she was in the hospital the doctors taught her the importance of good nutrition and how the human body needs food to sustain itself and all the fun activities we love to do. I'll tell her that mommy makes a list of everything she eats to make sure she's getting enough vitamins, fat, and carbs to stay healthy and active the same way we go to the gym, wear sunscreen and get physicals. I don't plan on hiding the fact I had an eating disorder from her. If she has questions I'll answer them, if not, we'll leave the subject alone. That's my plan. I think every parent has to make that decision for themselves and just because something is taught to a child doesn't mean they'll take an interest in it (for better or worse).5
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paperpudding wrote: »Was meant to say 'Let alone' - not let stone.
I know you didn't say it was only way but you did seem to imply that by sayin No thanks, other people who do it other ways just gain it back (paraphrase)
I still think teaching children - preferably by example and role modelling as was said by others - about nutritious eating, portion sizes, active lifestyle is the way to go.
Teaching children calorie counting doesn't seem useful to me at all - it is something people will learn when/ if they need or want it.
Just like, using financial analogy, teaching about money, living within your means etc - Yes.
Teaching details of using a cheque book - No.
Because this is something many people never want or need to use.
I wasn't implying that calorie counting is the only way. When I said most people I was talking about people who get on fad diets and never actually make any lifestyle changes. As I've kept saying on this thread, I'm aware calorie counting isn't the only way to do it.
I agree that teaching about nutrition, portion sizes, active lifestyle is more important.
I get the feeling you are talking about a different age than I am. I really hope you are. I've said multiple times in this thread that I've been talking about teens in high school. I couldn't imagine sending my children out into the world on their own with out teaching them the details of how to balance their checking account.0 -
Well that was just an example - a good one, I thought, since most people here do not have cheque books now.
And I wasn't talking any age in particular - I don't think it is constructive to teach calorie counting at any age just as a ' skill you will need in life'0 -
paperpudding wrote: »Well that was just an example - a good one, I thought, since most people here do not have cheque books now.
And I wasn't talking any age in particular - I don't think it is constructive to teach calorie counting at any age just as a ' skill you will need in life'
I never said they would need it. I hope they don't. I don't regret anything I've learned whether I need that information or not.
I still use a check book, but I also balance my money online. I wouldn't be surprised if check books are a thing of the past when my kids are adults though.
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Exactly - so not much point teaching children how to use them. Since they probably never will want or need to
Most people dont use them here now
I dont regret learning anything either - but I dont remember things I dont use or are of no interest or relevance to me.0 -
I disagree. You do things your way and I'll stick to my way.paperpudding wrote: »Exactly - so not much point teaching children how to use them. Since they probably never will want or need to
Most people dont use them here now
I dont regret learning anything either - but I dont remember things I dont use or are of no interest or relevance to me.
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I think encouraging healthy choices will naturally lead to an appropriate caloric balance. Like if they have a banana for breakfast, having a cookie later wouldn't probably put them over their energy expenditure. However, having a huge bowl of cereal (typical of a kid with 3-4 servings) and then having a cookie later could put them over. Perhaps teaching a simple give and take like being allowed one 'healthy' (aka calorically light) snack and one regular snack could help instill the idea without needing to outright bring specific numbers into things. I think the numbers are still valuable (and I use them every day!) and could be introduced at a later age like the teens, and even then encouraging just keeping a general idea in their head of how much they're eating and how they feel.0
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I disagree. You do things your way and I'll stick to my way.paperpudding wrote: »Exactly - so not much point teaching children how to use them. Since they probably never will want or need to
Most people dont use them here now
I dont regret learning anything either - but I dont remember things I dont use or are of no interest or relevance to me.
Of course.
But this is a thread asking for opinions and that is mine.
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paperpudding wrote: »Was meant to say 'Let alone' - not let stone.
I know you didn't say it was only way but you did seem to imply that by sayin No thanks, other people who do it other ways just gain it back (paraphrase)
I still think teaching children - preferably by example and role modelling as was said by others - about nutritious eating, portion sizes, active lifestyle is the way to go.
Teaching children calorie counting doesn't seem useful to me at all - it is something people will learn when/ if they need or want it.
Just like, using financial analogy, teaching about money, living within your means etc - Yes.
Teaching details of using a cheque book - No.
Because this is something many people never want or need to use.
Could be a contributing factor why most in the US don't have near enough saved for retirement too. People may not have or use a 'physical" checkbook, but they still need to be able to monitor cash inflow and outflow.
Same with calories, may not need to count calories but need some method to manage weight, how belt/clothing fits as an example.3 -
All I know is I wish my parents had some SOMETHING. I got lucky, considering how much I ate. I was bigger in 6th grade than I am now though. I at least wish I was told not to go back for seconds, or thirds. Or that I don't need 4 slices of pizza. I don't know. This is a tough one for me.
I work at an elementary school. Some of my kids are obese, and most of them live below the poverty line. Our principle will take away soda and candy from there. They eat a lot of chips and while I know I shouldn't be urging children to eat...sometimes cheese doodles are the only thing in their lunch boxes.0 -
All I know is I wish my parents had some SOMETHING. I got lucky, considering how much I ate. I was bigger in 6th grade than I am now though. I at least wish I was told not to go back for seconds, or thirds. Or that I don't need 4 slices of pizza. I don't know. This is a tough one for me.
I work at an elementary school. Some of my kids are obese, and most of them live below the poverty line. Our principle will take away soda and candy from there. They eat a lot of chips and while I know I shouldn't be urging children to eat...sometimes cheese doodles are the only thing in their lunch boxes.
That sparks another question - do you think it is a teacher's place to recommend foods or diets/approach parents on their children's eating behavior?0 -
leanitup123 wrote: »All I know is I wish my parents had some SOMETHING. I got lucky, considering how much I ate. I was bigger in 6th grade than I am now though. I at least wish I was told not to go back for seconds, or thirds. Or that I don't need 4 slices of pizza. I don't know. This is a tough one for me.
I work at an elementary school. Some of my kids are obese, and most of them live below the poverty line. Our principle will take away soda and candy from there. They eat a lot of chips and while I know I shouldn't be urging children to eat...sometimes cheese doodles are the only thing in their lunch boxes.
That sparks another question - do you think it is a teacher's place to recommend foods or diets/approach parents on their children's eating behavior?
No. Being a teaching doesn't make one automatically know anything about nutrition.
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leanitup123 wrote: »All I know is I wish my parents had some SOMETHING. I got lucky, considering how much I ate. I was bigger in 6th grade than I am now though. I at least wish I was told not to go back for seconds, or thirds. Or that I don't need 4 slices of pizza. I don't know. This is a tough one for me.
I work at an elementary school. Some of my kids are obese, and most of them live below the poverty line. Our principle will take away soda and candy from there. They eat a lot of chips and while I know I shouldn't be urging children to eat...sometimes cheese doodles are the only thing in their lunch boxes.
That sparks another question - do you think it is a teacher's place to recommend foods or diets/approach parents on their children's eating behavior?
No. Being a teaching doesn't make one automatically know anything about nutrition.
But as a person who spends a great deal of time with someone's child, if they notice "unhealthy" behaviors some may feel they are entitled to voice concern.2 -
That's a good point. If it's something like not eating anything all day I could see bringing it up to the parent. I can tell you though, teachers I've dealt with don't know how to feed themselves. I surely wouldn't want them to be telling ignorant patents what's healthy.leanitup123 wrote: »leanitup123 wrote: »All I know is I wish my parents had some SOMETHING. I got lucky, considering how much I ate. I was bigger in 6th grade than I am now though. I at least wish I was told not to go back for seconds, or thirds. Or that I don't need 4 slices of pizza. I don't know. This is a tough one for me.
I work at an elementary school. Some of my kids are obese, and most of them live below the poverty line. Our principle will take away soda and candy from there. They eat a lot of chips and while I know I shouldn't be urging children to eat...sometimes cheese doodles are the only thing in their lunch boxes.
That sparks another question - do you think it is a teacher's place to recommend foods or diets/approach parents on their children's eating behavior?
No. Being a teaching doesn't make one automatically know anything about nutrition.
But as a person who spends a great deal of time with someone's child, if they notice "unhealthy" behaviors some may feel they are entitled to voice concern.
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leanitup123 wrote: »All I know is I wish my parents had some SOMETHING. I got lucky, considering how much I ate. I was bigger in 6th grade than I am now though. I at least wish I was told not to go back for seconds, or thirds. Or that I don't need 4 slices of pizza. I don't know. This is a tough one for me.
I work at an elementary school. Some of my kids are obese, and most of them live below the poverty line. Our principle will take away soda and candy from there. They eat a lot of chips and while I know I shouldn't be urging children to eat...sometimes cheese doodles are the only thing in their lunch boxes.
That sparks another question - do you think it is a teacher's place to recommend foods or diets/approach parents on their children's eating behavior?
No. It would make me uncomfortable when I'd see the principle take away juice or candy.1 -
leanitup123 wrote: »leanitup123 wrote: »All I know is I wish my parents had some SOMETHING. I got lucky, considering how much I ate. I was bigger in 6th grade than I am now though. I at least wish I was told not to go back for seconds, or thirds. Or that I don't need 4 slices of pizza. I don't know. This is a tough one for me.
I work at an elementary school. Some of my kids are obese, and most of them live below the poverty line. Our principle will take away soda and candy from there. They eat a lot of chips and while I know I shouldn't be urging children to eat...sometimes cheese doodles are the only thing in their lunch boxes.
That sparks another question - do you think it is a teacher's place to recommend foods or diets/approach parents on their children's eating behavior?
No. Being a teaching doesn't make one automatically know anything about nutrition.
But as a person who spends a great deal of time with someone's child, if they notice "unhealthy" behaviors some may feel they are entitled to voice concern.
I work with a rough population in Brooklyn....we aren't calling home because of food choices. I'd get laughed at.3 -
I definitely teach my son about calories now that he's 13. I keep him well informed on my diet, counting calories, the math, and most importantly... making sure to never get too comfortable in that "I eat what I want and stay skinny, do I don't need to pay attention to my diet" attitude. I had that luxury my whole life and so does my son. And I had to learn the hard way. So if he were to fall ill, get injured (like I did), or just have a slower metabolism as he ages.... I'd want him to quickly correct his diet in a healthy and enjoyable way rather than waiting until you have 30 pounds to lose (like I did).
But he's already learned about Nutrition, Calories, Fats, etc in Health class and we've eaten Organic and mostly Vegetarian since he was born, so he already understands things like moderation, portions, and balance. It doesn't mean he always follows them (as he's a tad underweight because he's 5'7 and just turned 13)...but I've always talked about things like health, sex, weight, bodies, hormones, sleep, exercise, mental illness, etc like an adult. I don't believe in talking down to children. It's about keeping it simple when they're young and keeping it interesting when they're older.
I think it's great for parents to give kids the tools to prevent things *before* they happen. Caloric intake is just one of many. I tell him all of the time that he needs to eat more calories to put on a few pounds for his health. Because he does. *shrugs* I see no issue.1 -
Packerjohn wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Was meant to say 'Let alone' - not let stone.
I know you didn't say it was only way but you did seem to imply that by sayin No thanks, other people who do it other ways just gain it back (paraphrase)
I still think teaching children - preferably by example and role modelling as was said by others - about nutritious eating, portion sizes, active lifestyle is the way to go.
Teaching children calorie counting doesn't seem useful to me at all - it is something people will learn when/ if they need or want it.
Just like, using financial analogy, teaching about money, living within your means etc - Yes.
Teaching details of using a cheque book - No.
Because this is something many people never want or need to use.
Could be a contributing factor why most in the US don't have near enough saved for retirement too. People may not have or use a 'physical" checkbook, but they still need to be able to monitor cash inflow and outflow.
Same with calories, may not need to count calories but need some method to manage weight, how belt/clothing fits as an example.
Well, yes, that was my point exactly - teach children about healthy food choices, portion sizes, encourage active lifestyle but teaching actual calorie counting- no, as they may never need or want to use that
Just as teaching about basic financial concepts and living within your means - but teaching actual cheque book use - no, as they will probably never use one.
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paperpudding wrote: »Well that was just an example - a good one, I thought, since most people here do not have cheque books now.
And I wasn't talking any age in particular - I don't think it is constructive to teach calorie counting at any age just as a ' skill you will need in life'
I never said they would need it. I hope they don't. I don't regret anything I've learned whether I need that information or not.
I still use a check book, but I also balance my money online. I wouldn't be surprised if check books are a thing of the past when my kids are adults though.
I check my bank statements online, but how do you balance them online? Serious question.0 -
Oh yes. And to calibrate well their portions size.
America is fat. Too many of our kids are, unfortunately.
If a kid wasn't educated to eat well before 8, he/she will be fat.4 -
I have multiple checking accounts and savings accounts that I use for different things. The bank website keeps up with my debit and credit transactions, but I move them around a lot so each account has the amount I want in it. I can log on at any time and look at what I've spent or move money from one account to another or pay bills.kshama2001 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Well that was just an example - a good one, I thought, since most people here do not have cheque books now.
And I wasn't talking any age in particular - I don't think it is constructive to teach calorie counting at any age just as a ' skill you will need in life'
I never said they would need it. I hope they don't. I don't regret anything I've learned whether I need that information or not.
I still use a check book, but I also balance my money online. I wouldn't be surprised if check books are a thing of the past when my kids are adults though.
I check my bank statements online, but how do you balance them online? Serious question.
Does your bank not have a website that lets you do that stuff?0 -
I have multiple checking accounts and savings accounts that I use for different things. The bank website keeps up with my debit and credit transactions, but I move them around a lot so each account has the amount I want in it. I can log on at any time and look at what I've spent or move money from one account to another or pay bills.kshama2001 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Well that was just an example - a good one, I thought, since most people here do not have cheque books now.
And I wasn't talking any age in particular - I don't think it is constructive to teach calorie counting at any age just as a ' skill you will need in life'
I never said they would need it. I hope they don't. I don't regret anything I've learned whether I need that information or not.
I still use a check book, but I also balance my money online. I wouldn't be surprised if check books are a thing of the past when my kids are adults though.
I check my bank statements online, but how do you balance them online? Serious question.
Does your bank not have a website that lets you do that stuff?
If someone uses checks, your on-line bank statement won't include any checks that were written and not cleared by the bank.
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Packerjohn wrote: »
I have multiple checking accounts and savings accounts that I use for different things. The bank website keeps up with my debit and credit transactions, but I move them around a lot so each account has the amount I want in it. I can log on at any time and look at what I've spent or move money from one account to another or pay bills.kshama2001 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Well that was just an example - a good one, I thought, since most people here do not have cheque books now.
And I wasn't talking any age in particular - I don't think it is constructive to teach calorie counting at any age just as a ' skill you will need in life'
I never said they would need it. I hope they don't. I don't regret anything I've learned whether I need that information or not.
I still use a check book, but I also balance my money online. I wouldn't be surprised if check books are a thing of the past when my kids are adults though.
I check my bank statements online, but how do you balance them online? Serious question.
Does your bank not have a website that lets you do that stuff?
If someone uses checks, your on-line bank statement won't include any checks that were written and not cleared by the bank.
I have one account that I use for checks. When I write one I move money from my main account to my check account. That way I can see how much I have in checks that haven't been processed and I see it as already gone from my main account.
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ladyhusker39 wrote: »Yes, parents should teach their kids how to count calories. Just like they should teach their kids about proper nutrition and to be physically active. I don't think it should be mandatory that they weigh and log everything they eat, or to pump iron at the gym but it's an incredibly important and useful concept to understand and incorporate into their life. It's also important to be age appropriate as with anything we teach them.
Exactly how I feel. Anything you can teach your child will be useful. Or at least giving them the awareness about food being a fuel source and it being measurable will help them think more complex. You wouldnt have to force it on them but at least give them an awareness.
Society in general is overweight and the sooner you can teach your kids about food and making right choices the better. I'm constantly in conversation about making healthy choices with my daughter. She's only 5 but I'm betting she knows more about food than the average adult. There's no way my daughter is eating crap. She reaches for veggies and that makes me happy. I saw overweight kids 5 yo with scrawny *kitten* parents how does that happen? Teach your kids everything, better they get it from you than anybody else!1 -
gebeziseva wrote: »My son is 16 and most days he runs a quick estimate in his head about his calories (using me as his database). He does it mainly because he is lifting and wants to bulk a bit so just makes sure he's had enough to eat.
Also he's been avoiding less nutritional foods since I got into mfp (without any interference from my side other than me being able to answer questions about nutrition)
Knowledge is power and freedom. Don't deprive your children of it.
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I think education is important and with the resources available online these days, kids can read anything (fact or made up by so-called 'experts') so it's better to educate them before they read something that demonises calories! Not just calories though, a basic knowledge of nutrition and health is important. I'm also against the use of sweets as reward treats i.e. 'clean your bedroom and I'll buy you some chocolate'. I think eating the sweet stuff should be incorporated into daily diets but not made into a special thing0
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What a calorie is, yes. I learnt that in school, with the science experiment where you burn a peanut to heat a small beaker of water.
But good nutrition should be taught separately. I worry when people jump on the counting bandwagon too young - I'm not convinced it's constructive.
I like the hand approach - http://www.precisionnutrition.com/calorie-control-guide-infographic1 -
No. They should be helped to recognize good nutrition and make healthy choices, but having children count calories is very triggering for individuals who have a biological predisposition for developing an eating disorder. Having a family member with anorexia who counts each and every calorie of her meager total intake is heartbreaking. It could happen to anybody.1
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RAD_Fitness wrote: »what I find funny about this debate is that at my age I did grow up in the era of "go outside and Play"...only eat when hungry, eat veggies and fruit...chips and dip were a once a week treat, no soda just milk and water. Ice cream only in a serving size etc.
Guess what I got fat...I stayed fat.
Teaching kids those things (not cico) do not guarantee anything.
Did you continue to follow what you had learned?
If not, then there is no reason teaching them cico will change anything if they also do not follow what they have learned.
teaching kids about healthy foods and "go outside and play" is only part of it...that's my point.
If they don't understand why then why would they follow it? and no I didn't...when I got grown up I tried counting calories but didn't understand it...I was eating 800 a day because I thought that was correct because I hadn't been taught about them...
And I knew what healthy food was but didn't mean I wanted it all the time...as an adult I ate what I wanted when I wanted...chips every night with dip or fast food etc...
even after I got fat and tried to lose weight not understanding CICO made it hard...hard to lose and when I did lose hard to keep it off...
Teaching the entire thing will give "kids" and us adults a better understanding.1 -
We teach our kids about balanced nutrition and proper serving size but no they don't count calories. My sister in law is a dietitian and bought us a set of plates that actually portion out where you put proteins, grains, fruit/veggies for a balanced plate so they see it at every meal.
Both of our kids though are active and there is no reason, in my opinion, for them (or most kids really) to worry about weight or counting calories. If they are getting enough activity and eating a balanced diet that is more important.3
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