Yup, you guessed it: pumpkin oats for breakfast! Again.
Today was my usual oat combo plus Amazing Grass powder, cottage cheese, pumpkin, walnuts, and peanut butter.
And coffee 
DYKT #6
Did you know that kids who are moderately overweight shouldn’t be put on a diet?
In our obesity-centric world it’s easy to think that anybody who’s overweight should automatically be on a diet. kids are a different story. They’re still growing, and more importantly they’re still in their formative years- both physically and mentally. Putting a kid on a diet can have lasting effects on their self-image & self-esteem.
Instead, it’s currently recommended to help moderately overweight kids (10-15 pounds) make small changes in lifestyle, such as improvements in eating choices, increasing physical activity, and decreasing screen time. Adding fruits, veggies, and whole grains and cutting back on junk food can help improve diet quality.
The idea is to slow the rate of weight gain- that way as they continue to grow in height, their weight will gradually become more appropriate for their new height. A low calorie diet can inhibit height growth & deprive kids of the vital nutrients they need for development.
{ 17 comments… read them below or chime in }
Yummy oats!
I think that is a fantastic way to view helping kids lose weight!! Putting kids on a diet is BAD bad… they shouldn’t have to deal with that so young. However, you also have these children who are obese… then what do you do? It’s tough. I have a child who is in 1st grade where I work that is gosh… probably the most obese child I have ever seen? that sounds awful but I feel SO bad for her. She gets out of breath just walking… it’s pitiful. And I know that a large part is genetics but it’s also up to the parents, you know?
What you wrote makes total sense. There are ways to help children get healthy – and even lose weight – without putting them on a “diet,” per se. Any weight loss should be slow and gradual, and the emphasis should be on making sure they are getting the healthy foods they need, instead of just on restricting.
I have a question about the Amazing Grass…I have really tried to like it but it taste like dirt to me…really…anyway I can disguise it?
It tastes like dirt to me too– I only use small amounts. The chocolate is a little less dirt-like. I usually hide it best with a banana/oatmeal smoothie…I’ll post a review on what I’ve tried so far this weekend!
I like that you point this out! I agree- kids shouldn’t (or anyone for that matter) get into the habit of being in the restricting “diet mentality”- definitely not a good thing for them to start obsessing over!
I can only use Amazing Grass in green smoothies because the flavor gets lost in all of the other “green-ness”
Really great post! I think this is SO important, as it is usually everyone’s first idea to go for a diet. Not a good plan ESPECIALLY for their confidence! Besides, childhood is the time to form good habits and what could be a better habit that adding some healthy foods and being active?
Oh yeah, that makes total sense. I kid who’s only 10lb overweight can easily lose that weight by making lifestyle changes. They should feel restricted by a diet, but encouraged to eat better.
I love that tip! What a great idea! I know that in those years, a kid can develop some serious self-esteem issues!! Best to prevent that and make them more healthy. Diets are scary things.
i tried your tip for just putting a glop of pb in the oats and not mixing it in. i definitely notice a difference but i have to put in lots of pb because i was a spoonful in every bit haha!
Hahaa hey the more peanut butter, the better. At least in my book
I agree that putting kids on a diet is a bad idea. I think it just completely sets them up for issues with body image.
Never thought of putting amazing grass in my oats-may have to try it!
Totally agree about not putting kids ona diet-messes them up for life if you ask me!
Good post! I had the word “diet” because it has such negative connotations. I also don’t like calling food “good” or “bad.” Everything has different nutritional content and it’s just about moderation and a happy/healthy. especially when kids are involved! Gotta keep a positive state of mind cuz puberty is stressful enough without adding in weight issues.
Those oats look super creamy and delicious! And I don’t think that any kid should be put on a diet. Teaching healthy habits all the way!
I did not know that!
That’s a really great approach for helping overweight children. I agree that the term “diet” may cause lasting emotional or psychological concerns. By introducing healthy foods and activity, children will learn the habits that they should practice throughout life.