Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - 1 Comments
Have a question about your diet? Send an email to askpam@ediets.com and check back often to see if your question is picked.
It’s summer time! To many of us that means more time for the family to spend at home and around the house. Although many of us are working and keeping the normal schedule, some of us have visitors like family, grandchildren and kids.
Linda wrote in saying that her granddaughter is staying for the summer and really wants to lose weight – but she wants to do it in a healthy way. Her questions: What should she be doing and how much? They started first by making a grocery list, detailing an exercise plan and starting a daily food diary.
I say "kudos" to Grandma for really taking an interest in her granddaughter’s health and wanting to make it a positive experience. I like the approach they are taking, especially starting a daily food diary (one of the best tools because it really helps to visualize what you are doing) and having her take control; that way, she doesn’t feel pressured.
As far as calories,I wouldn’t focus on that initially but instead focus on the diary, food choices and exercise. I don’t usually recommend a calorie level right off the bat – unless medically necessary – but more of trying to encourage changes in eating behavior (e.g., eating breakfast; healthy snacking throughout the day).
Here are a couple of tips:
- Stock the house with foods that are typically healthy snacks: cheese sticks, yogurt (4 oz.), fruit, veggies (cut-up is the best), air-popcorn, whole grain products (pretzels, snack bars, etc).
- Make meals together. Use whole grains, cook veggies, make salads, etc.
- Have her help prepare snacks. Use plastic bags to portion food out; portion is the key.
- Try to exercise (walk) with her or maybe get some fun music she can listen to while exercising.
- Try to help her realize that weight isn’t the only thing in the world. Sometimes, we lose sight of the situation and need to remember she is a kid and just needs motivation.
Keep me posted on what happens. Remember that we can be great role models for our families, friends and children!
Have a diet question for Pam? Email askpam@ediets.com and check back to see if your question is picked! And if you missed a previous column, click here to see the archive.
Check out our online meeting "Manage Night Time Eating" at 5 p.m. EST, June 24, 2009. Our Nutrition Support Team will help you manage those night time temptations.
Looking for a way to make weight loss easier? With personalized meal plans and fitness routines, eDiets can help! Join now and save 25%!
It’s summer time! To many of us that means more time for the family to spend at home and around the house. Although many of us are working and keeping the normal schedule, some of us have visitors like family, grandchildren and kids.Linda wrote in saying that her granddaughter is staying for the summer and really wants to lose weight – but she wants to do it in a healthy way. Her questions: What should she be doing and how much? They started first by making a grocery list, detailing an exercise plan and starting a daily food diary.
I say "kudos" to Grandma for really taking an interest in her granddaughter’s health and wanting to make it a positive experience. I like the approach they are taking, especially starting a daily food diary (one of the best tools because it really helps to visualize what you are doing) and having her take control; that way, she doesn’t feel pressured.
As far as calories,I wouldn’t focus on that initially but instead focus on the diary, food choices and exercise. I don’t usually recommend a calorie level right off the bat – unless medically necessary – but more of trying to encourage changes in eating behavior (e.g., eating breakfast; healthy snacking throughout the day).
Here are a couple of tips:
- Stock the house with foods that are typically healthy snacks: cheese sticks, yogurt (4 oz.), fruit, veggies (cut-up is the best), air-popcorn, whole grain products (pretzels, snack bars, etc).
- Make meals together. Use whole grains, cook veggies, make salads, etc.
- Have her help prepare snacks. Use plastic bags to portion food out; portion is the key.
- Try to exercise (walk) with her or maybe get some fun music she can listen to while exercising.
- Try to help her realize that weight isn’t the only thing in the world. Sometimes, we lose sight of the situation and need to remember she is a kid and just needs motivation.
Keep me posted on what happens. Remember that we can be great role models for our families, friends and children!
Have a diet question for Pam? Email askpam@ediets.com and check back to see if your question is picked! And if you missed a previous column, click here to see the archive.
Check out our online meeting "Manage Night Time Eating" at 5 p.m. EST, June 24, 2009. Our Nutrition Support Team will help you manage those night time temptations.
Looking for a way to make weight loss easier? With personalized meal plans and fitness routines, eDiets can help! Join now and save 25%!
Comment: Tuesday, July 07, 2009 2:34:00 PM - 
said...
im always craving "bad" foods. replacing them with healthy alternatives makes it easier to force yourself to eat the alternatives, which will eventually become a likable routine. i advise that you replace bad foods 100% of the way, so that when you REALLY feel like you deserve a naughty treat, you must get your butt out to the ice cream store, fast food place, etc to get it. most of the time you'll find yourself realizing how much of a hassle is it to go out as well as how beneficial it is that you've made your new changes. :D good luck. -from mom-to-be, on her way to good health
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