How do I possibly work on getting my child to lose weight without making him (and me) both miserable? He's a mac n cheese, Chef Boy R Dee, kind of kid and doesn't like ANY fruit (his Dad is the same way), and only a handful of veggies so far (I'm still pushing this on him).

Angela - posted on 11/13/2008

Christy good luck and keep me posted also I don't know where you live but you might also check your town for a Whole Foods market. Angela

Heather - posted on 11/13/2008

I have my 4 year old in a program at our Children's Hospital here in Milwaukee and the strongest recommendation they made to me was SUGAR FREE EVERYTHING. He wouldn't give up chocolate milk, so I get sugar free chocolate syrup, we switched to 1% milk, wheat bread, sugar free pudding, sugar free kool-aid instead of juice. They said juice was the worst thing ever. I just basically check labels and try to stay below 15 grams of sugar. They consentrate on BMI instead of pounds, and as long as that keeps going down as he grows in inches we are on the right track. Maybe ask your doctor if there is a program like that in your area. Here, he had to qualify. His blood work showed elevated liver enzymes, so he qualified. Depends on your doctor I guess. Try the sugar free route. Hope this helps.

Chrissy - posted on 11/13/2008

I have a son with terrible food allergies, and through this we've found so many things to eat/feed him that are a healthy alternative. He's allergic to dairy and beef, both of which can be high calorie and fat. You can start by trying to swap ground turkey for ground beef (it've very cheap and 98-99% fat free). Same goes for switching out the rare occasion hot dot. Turkey sandwiches on whole wheat (you can even use avacados instead of mayo), or just do turkey "roll ups". I don't know how old your son is, but if he's a toddler, try fruit and veggies that can be picked up and dunked. There are lots of healthy substitutes out there, read the packages when shopping (this does make grocery shopping take a little longer). I could keep going, but don't want to take up the page! Let me know if you want any other suggestions! Good Luck!

Carolyn - posted on 11/13/2008

Also what does he drink thru the day? IF he drinks a lot of juice do you have cool quenchers juice at your grocery stores? They have a lot less calories in it then regular juice.

Also its not usually just diet that causes weight gain is he getting exercise every day? Involved in sports teams or indoor swimming as the weather gets colder? Can you all as a family go for a walk every evening for like half an hour. When it gets closer to Christmas go for walks to see the Christmas lights. Play catch together....exercise is important as well as eating habits.

Carolyn - posted on 11/13/2008

If you were to puree some organic fruit and then freeze it in popsicle trays will your kid eat it? Could you add a little juice that he likes to the fruit popsicle to make it more appealing to him? Then maybe he wouldn't realize its fruit but think more like its a treat when you know its actually healthy for him. If he likes some veggies leave out some cut out veggies and dip for him to snack on thru out the day

Christy - posted on 11/13/2008

Thank you so much for all the information, you've inspired me to begin the research!! Unfortunately we do not have a Kroger, but hopefully Harris Teeter has the same benefits. I'll be checking into it today. Thanks again!!!!

Angela - posted on 11/12/2008

My children will eat everything I am lucky they have never been picky eaters. Organic is a little more expensive, but the more organic you eat the more coupons you will aquire. Also if you have a kroger store by you they will manager special alot of their dairy, and eggs a week before they expire. You can freeze milk alot of people don't know this. If you google organic foods you will get several helpful web sites we did alot of research before we changed our lifestyle. We also try to eat at least 60 percent vegetarian. If you can't start out by everything organic because it can get expensive I would recommend at least trying to buy your dairy, eggs, and fruits this way, but Annie's products do have alot of kid friendly foods. Also if you do have a kroger store or meijer store by you they do have their own brand of organics that are a little cheeper. Good luck and please if you have any more questions please feel free to ask and if you would please keep me posted. Thanks Angela

Christy - posted on 11/12/2008

What are some other organic foods that your children will eat? This definitely may be an avenue that I can try with him. I'm a health nut but the organic foods tend to be somewhat pricey!!

Angela - posted on 11/12/2008

We started eating organic foods about 6 months ago I myself have lost 25lbs and my six year old is back in her proper size pants. The organic foods have no additives or anything else bad in them you might check this out. They also have Annie mac and cheese. Good luck