In asking what to feed my overweight child? :(

[emelsie]

My DD is 9 and today when she was was in her swimming costume I noticed just how much weight she really has put on, I have been aware but kind of stuck my head in the sand and today was a big slap round the face , I need to deal with it for her own health and well-being. I am pretty health conscious when it comes to myself which makes me feel all the more guilty but i find it hard to translate what I eat and do for exercise for a child.
Honestly I am quite disgusted with myself for letting it happen , but all I can do it be proactive in a solution.

She does a few out of school clubs that involve exercise/activity, what could I add to this ?
Any one give me an idea of what is a good balanced diet they feed their child ? Does this include snacks ? Also what kind of portion sizes?

I have such an interest in nutrition and health but when it comes to DD I just lose sense of what to do :(
TIA xx

Hi OP, I've been thinking about you and wondering how you were getting on with making changes at home? We've slipped into a pattern of too many snacks etc and your post made me think about what we are keeping in our cupboards etc.

C is getting a tummy that's the start of being over weight.

Yes doing really well actually, not been long but have cut down portion sizes and she didn’t blink an eye , sugar in packed lunch was drastically cut and she now has school dinners 3 days a week which is a lot less sugar anyway and we went on the change 4 life website , they have some great healthy packed lunch ideas on there and she really enjoyed helping me choose which options she would like , I think the biggest change needed was to my approach , I realised since I started his how often I would ask her if she was hungry or if she wanted more or if she wanted this or that for dinner . Now I don’t ask and she doesn’t complain.

Sounds like you're doing great.

Your nipping it in the bud before it becomes an issue.

Great work.

Great news OP.

Well the good news is that there are obvious ways to improve her diet. Get rid of the croissants/jam sandwich/ lunch treat/after school sweet stuff and the Costas.

It won’t be easy but it’ll be effective. You really have to cut the simple carbs...and soon she’ll lose her cravings for them. Also, please don’t fall into the “if she runs round a bit more that’ll fix it” because it really won’t. We get fit in the gym, but slim in the kitchen.

Good luck; it’s great that you realize there’s a problem and are trying to fix it.

You're doing great, emelsie :)