My Son Eats Everything in Sight. Do I Stop Him?
It may look like he’s training for a competitive eating competition, but he’s a growing kid. How do you balance proper nutrition and overeating?
I was quite proud when two years ago my son announced he was giving up McDonald’s as one of his New Year’s resolutions. Barring one road trip when we had no other food options, he hasn’t been at the Golden Arches since.
In theory that’s wonderful news, given the state of childhood obesity in our country. But, he’s certainly not the poster child of healthy eating. In fact, I have no doubt he’d stand a good chance at getting a competitive eating title. (This is a bit of an exaggeration.)
Still, sometimes people just watch him in awe of the sheer of amount of food that goes into his body. At a recent sleepover, he had the following in less than 12 hours: 3 slices of pizza, General Tso’s chicken, fried rice, cake, ice cream, a Coolatta from Dunkin’ Donuts, and a bagel. Sounds like the menu of a Biggest Loser contestant. When I picked him up the next morning, the host parents let me know I had a ravenous eater. “He’s got an appetite” they said. In other words, “He ate so much, we’re lucky there’s still food in the fridge!”
That menu selection is an exception rather than the norm. We are on board with Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign and try to live a healthy and active lifestyle, and he’s not a fat kid. He’s definitely not skinny either.On a normal day we eat fruits, brown rice and lean turkey chili, for example. But he really is constantly eating. He’s got a fairly fast metabolism working in his favor and a fair amount of sports to keep him at a normal weight for his age.
Before I put the brakes on his eat, what are your thoughts? How do you deal with your child’s eating habits? Do you let your child’s body guide them or do you intervene? How closely do you monitor their weight?
More About: exercise, fitness, food nutrition, health, health and wellness, obesity, exercise, healthy, healthy weight, junk food, obesity, overeating, teen, tween
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My son is almost 10 and he is the same way....every few months. Right before a growth spurt that is. On a daily basis we don't monitore his weight, just what he takes in. He isn't the most athletic kid in way of team sports, but he loves to cycle and play basketball. I make a point of asking how he feels after eating a certain meal, so he can recongize how the good stuff gives him energy and the junkier stuff makes him what to nap. Don't get me wrong he doesn't snack....but now he is opting for things that won't bomb out on him half way thru a bike ride. It's a good thing.
Never stop a child from eating when they are hungry...if you show them by example to eat well and healthy..the lesson will not go unnoticed...so many of my friends freaked out about their kids eating...it used to upset me because I noticed the more they did the more the kids ate. My kids ate like crap...I told them to eat better but never ttold them too stop eating so much. When they are in high school they will drive to McDonalds' then one day they come home from college sick and tired of garbage and all they will want is organic and healthy home cooking. They still eat a lot but they also work out and look healthy not once do i hear a negative body comment. Just set examples the rest will follow...oh yeah and next time a parent says that...tell them thanks my son's a big eater. It was a compliment when I was growing up. Hug, Kiss and Love your kids...because they will never mistake love for food. Criticize, talk about their body weight and you will see a lifetime of body issues and hiding food.....if you are setting a good example that's all that matters. GOOD LUCK!!
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