How To Lose Weight For Fat Kids - Learn The 7 Problems Which Cause Kids To Be Fat - How To Diet

There are many problems with the very idea of childhood obesity: increased risk of other diseases, low self-esteem, depression, high likelihood of becoming obese adults to name a few.

The trend of childhood obesity is going in exactly the wrong direction...it's getting worse, rather than better and there is no hope on the horizon for a solution any time soon. Why has this happened? Why are our kids struggling with something that has historically been an "adult" disease? There are seven major factors which seem to contribute to the epidemic of childhood obesity:

1. Excessive consumption of "fast foods" which are typically high in fat, sugar, sodium, and calories.

2. Sugar sweetened drinks.

3. Lack of exercise.

4. "Mindless eating" habits.

5. TV, computer, video games...creates a two-fold problem. They are not exercising during screen time, and, they are most likely "munching" (mindless eating of high calorie foods).

6. Healthful foods and snacks are not available.

7. Lack of knowledge.

Of all of these reasons, number seven is probably the most significant. With proper understanding of the relationship between the kinds of food they eat and weight gain, our children would have at least some motivation to eat in a more healthful manner. For instance, kids suffer with weight problems, skin problems, esteem problems, relationship problems, learning problems...many of these issues could be eliminated, or at least helped, by the intake of proper foods in proper amounts.

The food that we eat is the material with which our bodies make new cells. Think of a building project: For the first house, you start with broken bricks, warped wood, cracked wire, broken pipes. For the second house, your building materials are strong, straight, unworn, and new. Which of these sets of materials do you think is going to produce the best finished product?

This same comparison can be made when considering the food we eat and the finished product. In one case, the food is greasy, salty, loaded with sugar and additives, and low in vitamins and minerals. Isn't it reasonable that the result of combining these "faulty materials" will be an inferior product?

On the other hand, start with a diet balanced with protein, carbohydrates, "good" fat, ample vitamins and minerals, and low in fat, salt, and sugar. Don't you suppose that the end product will be a stronger, healthier, better looking specimen?

Our kids don't get that connection in part because many parents don't either. As the significant adults in our children's lives, let us strive to understand, and take ownership of, what poor foods are doing to our bodies and those of our children.

Sue Bristol, R.N. gives specific advice on what you can do about childhood obesity.

Here's the "Secret Weight Loss Diet" that virtually EVERY successful dieter uses. (Whether or not they are even aware of it!)

Click Here to get your Free e-book, which will give you the "Weight Loss Secret" You don't need to be overweight: http://www.how-to-loseweight-101.com/index1.html

Original article

Fat Kids Face Real Problems, Help Him Lose Weight And Gain Self-Concept - Teach Him How To Diet Now

It's hard for kids to be overweight. Adults know the difficulties with carrying those extra pounds but for kids, obesity can be a very difficult time in life.

Studies have shown that overweight kids suffer social and emotional stresses in addition to those experienced by their normal-sized peers. Using the BMI as a tool, the kids measured to be overweight have a harder time relating to their peers and they also show early signs of mental and emotional stress (such as inability to concentrate, irritability, sadness, and a sense of failure).

An unfortunate effect of this weight-related angst is the tendency to overeat in an attempt to find comfort. This is truly a case of "the worse it gets, the worse it gets"...if the child is a social outcast or if he is mocked by his peers, he is likely to eat more and gain more weight. This is a vicious cycle.

The problem appears to be worse for the child who has been overweight since age five or so. For example, if a nine-year old gains weight, he will suffer emotional consequences. However, if he has been overweight since he entered kindergarten he will more likely already have self-esteem issues. This seems to occur because when he left his mother's bosom and entered "the world," it was probably the first time he was teased about his weight. This sets a pattern in motion of feeling self-conscious. Thus, by the time he is eight or nine he already expects to be marginalized.

As though this situation is not already dismal, it is compounded by the danger of setting the stage for adult obesity. Most children who are overweight become overweight adults. Thus, they are at risk of developing the diseases associated with chronic obesity...diabetes, heart disease, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, and fatty liver.

It should be obvious that it is of paramount importance that early intervention be sought. Parents and guardians need to learn the fundamental principles of good nutrition and institute them as early in the child's life as possible. Let's look at a few of the basics:

• Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables.

• Reduce intake of fat, especially saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fats.

• Eliminate foods and beverages with added sugar.

• Increase the intake of whole grains.

• Incorporate daily exercise.

Seek medical attention so that your doctor can eliminate physical or hormonal disorders causing your child's weight issues. This is an unlikely possibility but it is prudent to check. Further, don't put a growing child on a "diet" designed for adults. A child's needs are completely different. He needs to lose weight but at the same time he needs a diet that provides nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.

Get them to stop drinking sugary pop today! Your child will be on his way to the ideal weight!

By Sue Bristol, R.N.

My eBook will lead you through the way to make it work for you, and your obese child, or spouse. Here's the "Secret Weight Loss Diet" that virtually EVERY successful dieter uses. (Whether or not they are even aware of it!)

"Click Here" to get your Free e-book, which will give you the "Weight Loss Secret" Kids shouldn't be obese.
http://www.how-to-loseweight-101.com/index1.html

Original article

How to Help Overweight Children Lose Weight and Gain Weight Control

Children, despite trying to hide their true feelings, suffer when they are fat. Some children successfully overcome negative feelings and handle their obesity in childhood, but they are a small minority who have overcome their negative attitude while remaining overweight.

Depression, anxiety, feelings of emptiness, low self-esteem and fear of rejection are common among overweight children. Such symptoms often intensify overeating and a vicious cycle develops.

Is compulsive overeating an addiction similar to addiction to alcohol, hard drugs and tobacco? There are similarities in its ability to increase pleasure in part by stimulating the pleasure centers of the brain. It is important to understand what impact this has on a child's ability to diet and gain weight control. Certainly anything that is repeated enough will initially become a habit. Over time, if repeated sufficiently, it acts like an addiction.

Although children follow similar patterns as adults there are some distinctive differences. Children are apt to mimic overweight parents. They use overeating to punish parents, or to overcome feeling depressed, anxious, unloved or rejected. A connection between food filling an empty stomach and improvement in mood is established. The next time it occurs and food again rewards the eater a pattern has started. It doesn't take long to establish a belief that food counters painful symptoms and compulsive eating begins. Once that belief becomes engrained to all intents that child has become an eating addict.

Like any addiction it will require motivation, persistence and a strong belief in wanting to overcome compulsive eating. Even for adults this task can be formidable. Most diets work for a while but not for long because the overeater has not changed his essential attitude about eating. Here is where the parents input is essential. They must guide, reassure the child as it pursues weight control. Above all it must make certain that there are no obstacles in the child following a reasonable diet.

Overweight children must overcome the belief that being overweight is an antidote to unhappiness, feeling unloved and overcoming emptiness. A child must learn that eating should be enjoyed but the essential reason to eat is to maintain health.

Instead of more pyramids, diet programs and conflicts about selecting the best diet, the emphasis must be on changing the beliefs that children have. They don't need to hear the theory of dieting, rather the emphasis is on that they are loved and helping overcome compulsive eating is healthy and should make them feel good.

Although love is the primary element in guiding them, the child should not believe that the failure to lose weight leads to not being loved. The belief that food is love or you eat because it makes you feel good or you eat because you love food needs to be changed. In its place good health must be primary and the pleasures in eating become secondary in your beliefs.

Every overweight child can learn to lose weight but the effort must start with his deep desire to become healthy and weight loss is one of the elements to make that happen. Children want to lose weight and look better. They will become happier and more self-directed as this control develops.

By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

November 17, 2011

My book "The Psychiatrist's Diet" contains an easy-to-use diet plan that is effective, doesn't require any special foods and works for any age. The diet is easily explained to children. The mental imagery exercises that can enhance weight control are often seen as fun games by many children who try them as part of their diet.

Visit http://www.drmarvinberenson.com/ to review "The Psychiatrist's Diet" and sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson's highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.

Original article

Are You Making Your Child Obese?

You as a mother get really tensed up when you see your child weighting too much on the weighing machine. If you are good at finding excuses then you can blame it on fast food. You can go on and blame your kids because they don't listen to your tips on healthy eating. Well, if you really want to get to the root of the problem then make a reality check: You could be the real culprit.

Many parents show too much concern for their kids over-weight and health problems related with it, but practically they just pay lip service when it comes to really putting things in order.

If you really want your kids to grow healthy, then you must ensure that they eat home-cooked-fresh-food. If you are a working woman and do cooking yourself, then do not fall prey to the temptation of regularly buying food from the neighborhood food- stall, just because you get too tired to cook yourself. It really does not take much time to cook food and the benefits far exceed the efforts you put in.

The foundation of good-food-habits are laid during toddler years. If the baby is fed on variety of foods and fruits then this sticks throughout the life. But if your kids feast on sweets, ice-creams, and burgers then it is sure an invitation to obesity, much sooner than you can imagine. You can't expect your kids to change their food habits overnight. High calorie diet actually becomes an addiction and soon it becomes a vicious circle. So, keep a check on food items from the very beginning.

In most families, both the parents work. We are always running short of time: hectic schedules, deadlines to meet, urgent business meetings. We don't get time to play with our children. Our younger ones have no option but to pass their time watching cartoons on idiot box or play video games. Many times we ourselves encourage them to do this because we have important work at home and can't concentrate if disturbed every minute. When this becomes addictions we are the first ones to complain.

We should spend more time with our children outdoors. They should be introduced to sports or some kind of physical activity when they are very young. If they are hooked to sports then keeping healthy does not seem to be a big task. If this happens then much of the excess calories will be burnt and that would make you feel lighter too. So stop looking for excuses and take real steps to fight that bulge around your children. Sooner the better.

Original article

Obesity and Compulsive Eating As Addictions in Childhood

Statistics about diabetes, intestinal disorders, poor general health, diminished physical ability and eventually becoming increasingly incapacitated as heavy adults have little impact on reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. Overweight children have learned to outwardly rationalize living in their fat bodies. Yet behind the façade of seeming indifference lurks the real feelings, such as anxiety, low self-esteem and depression, that most overweight children carry with them.

There are similarities in a child's compulsive eating and adult addictions. Such similarities are best understood as eating increases pleasure in part by stimulating the pleasure centers of the brain. Such pleasure once established strongly impacts a child's ability to diet and gain weight control.

When a child feels upset, or depressed and perhaps unloved he often has the impulse to eat. He discovers that eating improves his mood. A connection between food filling an empty stomach and improvement in mood is established. The next time it occurs and food again rewards the eater a pattern has started. It doesn't take long to establish a belief that food counters painful symptoms and compulsive eating begins. Once that belief becomes engrained to all intents that person has become a food addict. Eating fatty and sugar enriched food which is very tasty and fulfilling encourages the development of the addiction.

Overcoming an addiction is not easy but is within the realm of accomplishment for any child. First the child must want to lose weight. The motivation often stems from his suffering from being heavy and unacceptable in his own eyes. Developing the persistence to carry out a long process of gaining weight control often comes from strong parental guidance and encouragement. Diets need to be carefully planned since many are not appealing to children.

Perhaps most important is persuading the child that he must change his attitude about eating. Good healthy diets can be given up because the overeater has not changed his essential attitude about eating. Whatever satisfaction comes from overeating that is not based on a healthy diet needs to be modified. Children must overcome the feeling that eating makes them feel better and takes away feelings of being unloved and empty inside. They must learn that the essential reason to eat is to maintain health, which does not preclude enjoying food.

The emphasis must be on changing the belief systems that overweight children have. The belief that food is love or the child eats because it makes him feel good or he eats because he loves food need to be changed. Many children will not necessarily be conscious of these attitudes but most will understand that good health must be primary and the pleasures in eating, though important, are secondary in their eating habits.

By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

November 18, 2011

My book "The Psychiatrist's Diet" contains an easy-to-use diet plan that is effective, doesn't require any special foods and works for any age. The diet is easily explained to children. The mental imagery exercises that can enhance weight control are often seen as fun games by many children who try them as part of their diet.

Visit http://www.drmarvinberenson.com/ to review "The Psychiatrist's Diet" and sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson's highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.

Original article

Foods to Keep Away From Children to Prevent Weight Gain

I am writing this article to hopefully enlighten you as to the dangers involving our modern life-style and how we are contributing to these dangers merely by eating the wrong foods.

I cringe at the thought that from the moment our children get their teeth, we begin to feed them ham, bacon, bologna, sausages and a variety of other processed meats which are loaded with nitrites among other things! to enhance their color and extend their shelve life.

As our children grow, we continue our contribution by adding other processed foods, such as our very famous Hot Dogs which also have nitrite in them. Now, did you know that nitrite is a chemical that is not eliminated by our system and that together with other chemicals that we consume can turn into a carcinogenic substance?

This is no laughing matter. Think back to 30 or 40 years ago, the number of people with cancer and especially children was much lower than it is today. How many times and hospitals do you see on your TV calling for our help to support them in order to fight cancer in our children? Just how do you suppose they got there? What was the cause? Yes, sometimes and some people develop an illness without apparent rhyme or reason, but those are only the exceptions that prove the rule.

Just think, the more processed meats we eat which are loaded with, not only nitrites, but saturated fat or other chemicals are increasing our risk and percentages to developing colon rectal cancer. Approximately 143,000 Americans are diagnosed with this type of cancer a year and more than 50,000 die of the disease.

Have you taken the time to read all the words in the ingredients portion of the foods or meats that you pick up at the market? Words you can't pronounce much less know what they represent?

Parents, not only are we obligated to protect our children, but we are also obligated to protect ourselves, because our children need us in their lives. Think, a National Institute of Health-American Association of Retired Persons and Health Study found that every 10 grams of processed meats increased our risk of prostate cancer by 10 percent.

Other studies have linked these same products to ovarian cancer and leukemia. Studies have not been able to determine why these processed meats endanger our health, but most likely it is all the chemicals manufacturers put in them to preserve them.

Also, I wish to add that approximately 70,000 industrial chemicals may be found in everyday products and 1000 new ones are introduced each year, but only a fraction of these have been tested for safety in humans.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American may be carrying approximately 700 industrial chemicals in their bodies.

Centers for Disease Control report released the results from the screenings of 2500 Americans for 148 industrial chemicals. The shocking findings revealed, that significant quantities of these chemicals were found in the bloodstreams of EVERY individual who was tested!

Remember that in the process of all of the above, you liver is serving as the defender against all the chemical agents we are consuming and while doing it, it also suffers the consequences. We must eat healthier and stop feeding our children so much of our not so healthy Western-Diet.

I hope this article contributes to our good health.

Gladys Alvarez has spent over forty five years working in different Medical Fields to include Surgical Oncology, Research on Aids at one of our most prestigious universities as well as has been a correspondent who has traveled extensively around the world studying different lifestyles, cultures and their nutritional habits because she is committed to educate the consumer as to the benefits of living a happy, healthy lifestyle through fitness and weight loss. If you have found this article helpful, please visit my website at http://www.drkool.com/ TODAY!

(c) Copyright - Gladys Alvarez. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Original article

Understanding Children's Feelings About Being Overweight

No longer is there any doubt that a national calamity has befallen this country. Not only have adults claimed the distinction of being overweight but now countless kids are in the same camp. Two-thirds of all adults are overweight or obese. Two-thirds. And between 20 to 25 percent of all children fall into the same category. Good health, athletic prowess, self-esteem and parental controls have not stemmed the tide.

No amount of education, persuasion, rewards, lowering of self-esteem, government influence, have had any direct benefit to help the increasing numbers of children who have succumbed to uncontrollable eating. They are the true victims of the widespread lack of control. The majority of children who remain overweight as they grow into adolescence and adulthood will have a much more difficult task to lose weight and regain good health; a high percentage remain overweight.

What do children of different ages think about being overweight? Listen in:

"Mommy, why am I so fat," an eight year old boy complained. "Because you eat too much, Danny. You need to eat less," his mother replied. "But mommy you feed me all the food I eat, are you making me fat?" "Of course not, I love you and it's fun to watch you eat." But mommy I'm getting fat." "Then stop eating so much."

A ten-year-old girl could hardly look at herself in the mirror. "I hate myself," she murmured to herself. "Why can't I just stop eating so much? That's what daddy always tells me. He doesn't think I'm pretty anymore." She began to cry and turned away from the mirror.

A 13 year-old-boy was embarrassed to get dressed in front of other boys. He hated being fat and looking so sloppy and felt so badly when the girls snickered at him. Yet he can't stop eating. "I can't help myself," he whispered. "I feel so lonely and nobody likes me. I need to eat." In front of others he put on a good front and pretended he liked being fat.

A five-year-old girl in kindergarten sees how different she looks from the other kids except for two boys who were almost as fat as she. "Maybe they'll play with me," she thought. "They won't laugh at me. They're just as fat as me."

One sophisticated 11-year-old girl tried to throw away all the fatty food from the refrigerator and was caught by her mother who angrily scolded her for her actions. "But mother, I can't seem to help myself. I'm eating so much. Why don't you stop buying all the desserts and ice cream and pizzas and all the junk food you buy."

"Because the problem is not my buying it but it's your eating so much," her mother responded. "You have to learn to control yourself, that's all there is too it." "But I can't and you can't either," she said as she looked at her very obese mother standing before her.

Blame is not the answer to controlling overeating. But children do suffer when overweight and need to develop a new set of eating patterns and consistent support by the family. Parents, whether overweight or not, need to acknowledge that the child needs their cooperation and support. Through this mutual understanding children can successfully learn to control their weight.

By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

November 17, 2011

My book "The Psychiatrist's Diet" contains an easy-to-use diet plan that is effective, doesn't require any special foods and works for any age. The diet is easily explained to children. The mental imagery exercises that can enhance weight control are often seen as fun games by many children who try them as part of their diet.

Visit http://www.drmarvinberenson.com/ to review "The Psychiatrist's Diet" and sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson's highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.

Original article

Your Kid's Weight Depends On You: Lifelong Habits Start Early - They Affect Weight AND Health Issues

Government statistics show that children, like adults, are overweight, or even obese, and the problem is growing (pun intended). It is critical to the child's lifelong health and self-esteem to began a sensible approach to eating as soon as possible.

There are a variety of factors which come into play when considering causes of excess weight. For many children, a large part of the problem is sugar-sweetened beverages. Some of our kids are getting one-fourth or more of their recommended daily calories from soda! It is essential to eliminate, or at least reduce, these beverages from your child's daily life, starting today.

For other children, the primary problem is excessive portion sizes. The kids (and adults) have been accustomed to eating two or even three times the amount of food in one sitting that is advisable for health and weight control. Your child's physician can specifically advise you, but for most kids it is safe to cut their food intake at least by one-third.

Our children have become accustomed to multi-tasking and this includes how and when they eat. They scarf down their meals while working on the computer or texting their friends. They snack while playing video games. They "drink sugar" from mega-sized containers while they watch movies. Help your child (and yourself) by eliminating "mindless eating". When you eat, eat and nothing else!

A few of our children battle a compulsive habit called "binge eating" in which they feel a powerful internal desire to overeat. They actually crave the feeling of excessive fullness so they eat rapidly and ravenously until they are "ready to burst". These children have some awareness of the problem because it is often accompanied by feelings of guilt and a need to eat "in secret".

Once this pattern has begun, it is often fueled by any kind of emotional stress. This problem can, and should, be dealt with as soon as possible. It will require evaluation and intervention by your child's physician. Your kid's health and self-esteem are at stake.

Whatever the underlying cause for your child's excess weight, lifestyle changes will be needed. He or she most likely wants very much to lose weight but they don't have the foggiest clue how to begin. This is where you come in.

They need your help. It is a fair guess that the whole family could use some lifestyle changes insofar as eating habits are concerned. Whether overweight or not, we have all gotten into patterns of eating that are making us sick.

Start today with some relatively easy steps:

• eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages
• reduce portion sizes
• no second helpings
• fill the plate with half fruits and vegetables, one-fourth grains, one-fourth protein
• provide low or fat-free milk
• keep healthful snacks (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, reduced fat cheese) readily available for "munchies"
• encourage family meals and walks together
• seek help from your doctor or a registered dietitian (available through the local hospital) if needed.

It's never too late (or too early) to begin habits of healthful eating that will last a lifetime.

Your child's excess weight depends on You. by Sue Bristol, R.N.

Here's the "Secret Weight Loss Diet" that virtually EVERY successful dieter uses
(Whether or not they are even aware of it!)

"Click Here" to get your Free e-book, which will give you the "Weight Loss Secret"
http://www.how-to-loseweight-101.com/index1.html

Original article

Fitness for Kids - Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun

Helping your child to develop regular fitness practices can aid in the prevention of serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. An active lifestyle can also promote healthy behaviors and reduce the likelihood that your child will become overweight.

A sedentary (inactive) life, one that doesn't promote regular exercise and well-balanced nutrition, most often will lead to chronic illnesses and unwanted medical complications. You serve as the primary role model for your child, as you personally adopt wholesome routines that contribute to a healthy, more active life, they will follow your example.

If you wish for your child to change potentially harmful habits and to engage in fitness activity on a regular basis, you must encourage positive habits and assist your child to put them into action. It is vital to reinforce the significant role exercise plays in contributing to general fitness and personal well-being; it will assist them to understand the benefits of being mindful of their health.

Safety Tips to Remember:

¨ Always obtain approval from your child's doctor before taking part in any physical activity.

¨ Your child should wear a helmet when using wheeled vehicles of any type including skates and skateboards. Use a helmet during tobogganing or sledding.

¨ Have your child to perform stretching exercises before beginning strenuous activities. This will prevent muscle tears or strains.

¨ Make sure your child avoids using trampolines. Medical associations recommend avoidance of trampoline use due to the high rate of injuries related to this type of activity.

¨ Supervise all recreation in which your child participates, especially toddler and adolescent play, to prevent injury. Adults should supervise all swimming activity; never leave children unattended around water sports of any kind.

¨ Apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn and reduce skin cancer risks.

¨ If your child has a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure, be aware of their limitations and seek advise from your child's doctor about what level of exercise involvement is right for your child, a simple blood test can help identify potential health issues.

The most important thing when it comes to relating the importance of fitness back to to a school age child is that it's meant to be FUN! It's very easy to disguise youth fitness as play time. It's recommended that every child, every day, gets out & exercises anywhere from 30 - 60min a day. While they're young, it's important to make sure that they equate play time & running around as important as the nutrition guidelines they learn at school. With budget cuts & district restrictions, many schools can't afford recess or gym class so it's even more important than ever that parents get involved & get their kids outside to play.

Original article