Don't Put Your Child on Your Diet

January is traditionally the time when many of us decide to make changes. Losing weight is usually among the resolutions most often named. As two thirds of Americans are either over weight or obese, this is a great way to start the year. There are almost as many weight loss diets, strategies and gimmicks as there are people using them. These methods ranges from safe and effective to total cons. Given your temperment, life style, food likes and dislikes, and personality, some eating plans will work for you, other will not. I am not going to go into the pro's and con's of all the diet plans and programs available, but I am here to tell you NOT to put your child on any of these diets.

For all children, except those with specific medically diagnosed illnesses, diets are not appropriate. Encouraging lots of physical activity and offering healthy foods (low fat cheese and meats, seafood, beans, fruits, vegetables and whole grains) is all a child needs. Their body will then grow into it's appropriate and normal weight. Any diet that strictly limits or omits a major food group (carbohydrates, protein, or fat) is unhealthy for a child, and you too. Never use diet shakes, meal replacements, weight loss pills or an over abundance of any supplement as weight loss techniques for children, unless under the direction of a doctor, certified or registered nutritionist or other accredited health care provider.

Children will do best by eating food. Learning to enjoy a variety of healthy and nourishing foods is as important as learning to read, swim or share. As with anything we want our children to learn, we want to establish patterns that will benefit our children now and as adults. Being offered healthful and delicious food choices and encouraging our children to listen to the needs of their bodies prepares a child to naturally make healthy food choices as an adult.