How young is too young for this?

[jende]

My 13 year old foster child wants to go on this diet. What are everyone's thoughts on this?

[SunnySmile501]

Re: How young is too young for this?

A 13-year-old is getting ready for a growth spurt. Before even considering letting a child do any diet, they should have a full physical with a blood workup.

Of course, going off sodas, candy and junk food is good for any child. You should read the book very well and supervise carefully if the doctor says it is okay. This WOE is very healthy and I think you can incorporate into it the special needs of a still growing child.

Sunny!

[cheers2you]

Re: How young is too young for this?

I agree with sunnysmile. I would definately check with his pediatrician or primary doctor first. They may be able to come up with a modified version that would suit his needs. I think that if he gave up the sodas, sweets and stuck to a diet with fruit/veggies/brown rice etc and lean meats he would see a drastic difference.
Healthy eating, exercise I think he will be on the right track

[IrishMom82]

Re: How young is too young for this?

I agree with both responses. Always check with the childs doctor if this WOL is appropriate for that age. Quitting all junk food is always healthy! A 13 year old doesn't nessecarily have to be as strict as the WOL, you'd be amazed at how healthy they can get just by not drinking sodas, etc. Kids have great metabolisms typically.

[*KatNip*]

Re: How young is too young for this?

If you cook healthy low carb foods for yourself, and not franken foods, then just let him have what you are having plus all the other maintanence foods. Kids that age stretch out anyway, so just by eating maintanence style and excersicing he should be just fine IMO

[jende]

Re: How young is too young for this?

I agree. I was quite apprehensive. It's a she actually and she had been a vegetarian for a week and we told her she'd probably gain weight as she wanted to eat no meat and just veggies, bread, potatoes, fat etc.

The problem is that these kids like junk and what they get at home is a lot of junk, so that's what they want me to buy. I'm buying lots of stuff I never would have bought before. She's only been with us two months and she has an enormous appetite too.

So she sees my husband and I losing weight and she wants to go on it.

I'm going to see if I can talk her into just eating healthier and I'll tell her I won't buy the junk anymore and see what she says.

[not2late]

Re: How young is too young for this?

There is an "Atkins-style" low carb diet specifically for children and teens. It was the diet that the Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine used. It is explained in a book called "Feed Your Kids Well" by Fred Pescatore, MD. Dr. Pescatore was the Associate Medical Director of the Atkins Center during the 1990s.

That diet is far more nutritionally balanced for a growing child, than Atkins.

And I agree with everyone else---consult your child's doctor.

[liv]

Re: How young is too young for this?

Junk food is not a kid's right. It is to be avoided whether the kid has weight issues or not. I have a 14 year old and I do not buy junk for her. She is not allowed to drink pop on weekdays. She never developed a big taste for sweets (and has yet to have a filling)

I suggest cutting out junk - cutting down sugar and increasing activity.