To feel so bad about my kids weight gain

[Allthestarsarecloser]

Both my kids put on weight during lockdown but my 8 year old daughter put on quite a lot- I just measured her height & weight & she falls into the very overweight category. I think we ate comfort food a lot & have struggled to get it off - she’s pretty active normally and does lots of sport etc.

She’s now 134cms tall and 6 stone. I feel so bad. I have been cutting back on sugar but I think portion sizes are too big too.

Aibu to ask for your tips about how to get the weight off - my 12 year old DS has also put weight on & I need to address it - he walks 25kms a day back & for to school
& plays footy 3 times a week but also falls into the overweight category.

What should I do?

The diet advice on here is so bad. There is nothing wrong with carbs and fruit for children (or adults). If your active son is also putting on weight the portion sizes are too big and/or there is a lot of junk food that is also being eaten alongside the meals you listed. You (not children) should (discreetly) weigh the food to get an idea of how much you are giving them, be honest about how much extra junk is being eaten, and be mindful about how much oil and fat you use in home cooking. Then maybe you can see what is going on.

The main thing I would really urge you to do is to ensure that they don't feel that you're upset or disappointed in their weight gain. Food is fuel, too much of it means weight gain. If you keep it that simple, and remove the emotional association, then they'll be able to enjoy a much happier and healthier relationship with food.

First thing I would do is tell the dc that you’re all going to be healthier and get fitter so you’re going to cut down on sugar and junk food and eat your 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.
Get them involved in which fruit and veg you’re going to have and plan your meals around them.
Figure out healthy snacks together and which treat you’re going to have that day.
You could bake some cake or biscuits that might be healthier than shop bought ones.
Then find which exercise you’ll do on the day. There are lots of exercise and dance videos for kids on YouTube if you can’t get out otherwise bike rides and walking is fab.
Think of other activities your DC might enjoy like hula hooping, skipping with a rope, skateboarding or roller skating.

Read the labels on everything, sugar is hiding in so much stuff. Beans have loads in. No junk food at all. Replace with yogurt and homemade popcorn etc. Try veg instead of too much fruit for snacks as that's full of sugar too. Water to drink as much as possible. Don't mean to be militant about sugar but when I try losing weight I have to cut out sugar to get anywhere

Cut out snacks, have a treat, yes but they dont need snacks every day, if they are, that is

More veg, Cut the honey out