redgirl1974's Journal, 08 December 2010

This is a toughie. I'm no nutritionist and I have no experience in dealing with Atkins for children but I can see why you would be upset at him overdoing with the pies and chips. Does your son understand the basic theory of Atkins -- i.e. the low carb/burn fat for fuel concept? If he does, then he knows that eating lots of sweets and potato chips will totally undermine that approach. It may take his body 3 days or more to get back on track. In the days prior to Thanksgiving, I saw a news program piece about overindulging on Thanksgiving. The nutritionist pointed out that 3 bites is all that a person needs to enjoy/appreciate the taste of a particular food. That's like a sliver of pie, far less than a full portion. So, perhaps with that advice in mind, you might allow your son a small treat of sweets once in a while -- maybe once a week? -- so he doesn't feel totally deprived. But make sure he understands why he can't have more now, at least until he loses the weight that his doctor recommends. 

Redgirl - there's alot going on with this situation, like Helen said - if he is eating against the low carb WOE at lunch 5 x's a week (eating breaded items, flour, sugar, rice, potatoes, etc..) but eating low carb at bkfst, and dinner...it is likely not very advantageous for him...and he will continue to have cravings. Big Ones. When my middle son was between 10-13, he was overweight...not sure by how much...but he was definitely 'chunky'...extra belly weight mostly, but some in his little round face, arms, legs, etc... We went to an annual check up, and I asked the Dr. while we were talking about where he was on the 'chart' of average kids his age.... The dr. told me some great advice- my son was about to come into an age where he was going to have some rapid growth spurts...and yours will too... teaching him about balance in food was important. teaching him about how to build muscle, how to maintain a 'fit' lifestyle...also important. overall, if the whole family could restructure to eating healthy, with limited treats, so they became really a 'treat' then in moderation, not so bad...but the biggest thing he suggested was ACTIVITY. Restructuring my son's time so that he got appropriate amounts of activity...outdoors...where he could ride a bike, skateboard, walk, run, build forts, anything...just change the amount of tv time, gaming time, if he has a lot of sitting to do homework, than he has to really work at squeezing in MORE ACTIVITY somewhere. Be it organized sports, or just riding his bike with you or dad... when that becomes habitual, and the growth spurt hits,...he will lean out quite a bit. I never restricted my son or food. I just changed over time what I brought in the house. I would make deviled eggs as a snack. Or celery w/ cream cheese, or peanut butter, for after school...or fruit...apple slices w/ peanut butter...very filling, very satisfying ...and lots of energy to want to go out and do something extra. Hope that helps your family discussions about how to work w/ this issue. Not uncommon at all. And your dr. was rather insensitive to not speak to you privately - rather than call out your son that way and embarrass him. But the cravings he is having from rollercoasting on the low carb - higher carb eating he is doing...is normal, and will continue as long as he eats that way. 

I agree with Paula that if your son is eating carbs during lunch, he's probably suffering from cravings, which makes it much harder to stick with the low-carb WOE during his other meals at home. Wouldn't it be easier to pack him a low-carb lunch to take to school? My kids aren't low-carb but they take lunch from home every day. That might make it easier for him not to binge on sweets and other carbs, like chips. Just a suggestion... helen 

Thanks ladies. I am going to have a heart to heart with him this evening.I am going to try and explain to him, that I am only doing this because of how much I love him and want him to be healthy. He's a ham, and that will melt his heart. I have been thinking about having him read the book and this is the deciding factor for me.He is a really smart boy, so I am pretty sure he can understand it. I am going to give it to him tonite. His activity is really better since the doctor brought all this up back in September. We started out with walks in the park 3-4 times a week and now he goes to the gym with me at least 3x a week. Next semester he will have to take phys ed at school so that will also help. After reading the responses from everyone, I have decided that I am not going to feel sorry for not giving him sweets. I am going to stick to my guns. At school, theres not much I can do other than educate him since he refuses to take his lunch. He says no one else does and it might embarrass him. And if my husband wants sweets, he has a mini fridge that he keeps in the bedroom (we have to. too many teenage boys, don't want to tempt them with my husband six pack, lol). He can keep his sweets in the beer fridge. I am going stock up on sugar free jello and shakes. Hopefully that will slow him down. THANKS, Andee  

Good luck, Andee! 

Sorry to hear about your dellema(sp) with you son. I totally agree with the above statements. I guess I can't say it any better. Sometimes, it takes "tough love" to get them to see and make the proper choices. Hope all works out for you and please let us know how the talk went with him. I will pray that he will start making the right decisions for himself, so that you don't have to show "tough love". I don't know who it is tougher on, us or them. Have a great day and please stay strong.:):)