Help with weight for the rich only

**Max'sMommy** · 08-05-2005, 05:42 AM

Re: Help with weight for the rich only

Jean, I am sorry you all our going through this- it amazes me how much these things cost, like programs, nutrional consuling, ect-- even healthy foods! I know our YMCA has low cost progtams and they have a play room for younger kids, they also have a pool, gym, ect. And programs for preteens and teens. We have never gone to our Y, but I have heard good things about it.

A freind of ours sent there 14 year old son to , as they said "fat camp"- hate that term- it cost them $500 for each WEEK! Crazy! And he only lost 6 pounds (drs say he is at least 50 over weight)

Insurance companies STINK as far as I am cncencered- we have had so many issues with them (can you tell I am bitter!) They will help the cost of health issues related to, but rarely help with preventative measures! And then wonder why Obesitiy has become such an issue in the USA.

Could you go for family walks, the younger could go in a stroller or wagon, or bike rides, skating, ect- just to get moving, I don't know if you have a yard or even a park nearby, but family kickball, dodgeball, frisbee, soccer, or softball- then the whole family can get moiving together and you only have to spend money on the balls.

If you are in an area with fruit and produce stands-- you can usually get good for you and fresh items there - and cheaper- to keep around for snacks, and of course- portion control is big, and cutting out soda and sugary drinks.

I hope some of that may help- good luck to your family and most of all your son- best to nip it in the bud now, then to deal with it as an adult- keep your head up!

**Fern** · 08-05-2005, 05:45 AM

Re: Help with weight for the rich only

I am glad you didn't go for the $259/month for the counseling. I don't think you need to spend $$ to lose weight. But you do have to change your lifestyle, on a permanent basis, if you want to shed some pounds.

If there's a way you can build exercise into things he already does, and make it enjoyable, maybe that would help. It's hard to know where to start, not knowing his habits and how he spends his time now, but helping him increase physical activity every day is important. As for the diet, i am very weak, and so to avoid compulsively eating sweets and snacks, i simply don't buy them or have them in the house. If i snack between meals, it's going to be fresh fruit or maybe some yogurt with fruit.

About 2 months ago, frustrated that i couldn't shed a few pounds, i stepped up my half hour or so walk about 3x a week to a full hour 5 days a week. I do it consistently, no matter what. And i also mow my own lawn and am pretty active on the weekends. I had to make it a priority, and i admit other things/chores i need to do end up sliding as i have just so much time in the day. But it's beginning to FINALLY offer results

Diet-wise, i tend to eat very little meat, just chicken or turkey, and more veggies/fruits, try to eat a handful of nuts daily, use healthy oils like olive oil for cooking, and limit dairy to low fat. There are a zillion diets out there, and everyon'es got to find one that works for them, I guess. Losing weight is one of the hardest things to do.

**Max'sMommy** · 08-05-2005, 05:48 AM

Re: Help with weight for the rich only

Also, adding dairy- especially yogart, helps your metablisim and you lose a little quicker. Plus it 's good for you too- added bonus, and pretty cheap- another bonus!

**akaivyleaf** · 08-05-2005, 08:11 AM

Re: Help with weight for the rich only

And Dairy has one more bonus if your lactose intolerant... I would loose weight instantly if I incorporated more dairy in my diet. It runs right through me and takes ALL nutritional value with it.

But Seriously, I have a dear friend who has modified her eating, as mentioned above, and has done nothing but walk up and down her very steep driveway. At first she could only make it down and back up 1 time, but now she's up to 25 times a day... She looks great, but willful determination and modification. She still has a ways to go, but its important to get the heart rate up.

Does your son have any sports activity that he likes for which you can incorporate into his daily schedule? Get away from the computer/tv and other things that lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Bike riding is good... a family affair, put the two year old on the back and start pedaling. Any friends that live in apartments with pools available? Swimming is good, and this is a way to swim free. Same thing as some apartment complexes have weight rooms, he might like that. Rollerblading, rollerskating are great exercise and a great way to get from point A to B quickly.

Y memberships here are expensive, way more than I can ever remeber as a child. I hung out at the Y, now their monthly membership fees are deducted from checking accounts which means they cost way too much. Do you have places like Play It Again Sports where you live? They sell used sports equipment, used weights etc...

**CRFSaver** · 08-05-2005, 12:11 PM

Re: Help with weight for the rich only

Instead of going for counseling on a monthly basis you can hire a dietition to design a diet for your son for at the most 250 bucks. I had a friend who did it and did amazing things for her. I never had to worry about weight as a kid as my mom didnt let me in the house in the summer. haha! I had no choice but to run around theneighborhood, riding bikes, playing tennis, etc. One neighbor had a basketball hoop so we would even shoot hoops all day.

I did that last year at a friends. I couldnt believe how sore I was the next day after shooting for an hour. While I am the worst example of it take away the video games. make your kids go outside. At the very least they will sweat out water weight...

**pennywise** · 08-05-2005, 04:16 PM

Re: Help with weight for the rich only

I have done research in this area. The fat is called visceral fat. This visceral fat is very bad. Why such an epidemic? Soda's, fast food, poor quality of foods. When you think of food ask yourself: "did God make this", if the answer is yes, eat it. No premade frozen dinners. Preferable turn vegetarian. Hormones in meats! This was implicated in why 9 year old girls were in menses with breasts forming. Too many toxins. Now, back to visceral fat. This fat is resistant to break down as it releases hormones to prevent this. In addition, further negative hormones are put out to make you feel depressed, lack motivation, etc. The visceral fat is implicated in diabetes and heart disease. I have been vegetarian for over a month now, ride my bike 9.5 miles 4 days a week and have lost nothing. This is how stubborn it is.

He is young! It is imperative that this change. The faster the better. I like the YMCA idea. Inexpensive. I have always had my dtr in one sport. Physical activity is best. The family involvement is good. However, how is his motivation? This is will be the biggest challenge here. Motivation. What foods are available at school. First to understand is you can eat a big Mac, fries, shake, etc and still be hungry. Why? Because your body did not get the nutrients it NEEDS. Milk is excellent - mult minerals, eggs - a cheap quality protein, vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals. Avoid imported as chemicals in Africa are allowed that we know to be carcinogenic. Stick with what you know.

Search the internet on nutrition, follow the Asian food pyramid, it really looks healthiest, Oh, I think it is called the Meditarrianian (sp?). Search information on visceral fat so you understand what is going on. Keep us informed.

**pennywise** · 08-05-2005, 04:19 PM

Re: Help with weight for the rich only

I forgot something. I knew I did but could not remember. I remember now: SERVING SIZES VS. PORTIONS. We eat portions, heaping tablespoons, the bigger the better. Watch supersize me; great movie. And remember: did God make it?

Hint: oatmeal pulls out fats, fills you up, is cheap.

**PrincessPerky** · 08-06-2005, 04:02 AM

Re: Help with weight for the rich only

TAKE THE TWO YEAR OLD WITH YOU! that way you wont be back in ten years trying to help him too! (err her?)

A two year old can walk a lot further than you think, and most normal 2 yos (Not mine) are used to strollers, get a joggin one and go for it.

A nightly family walk will do wonders, and is free! A bike ride if you all have them and know how to ride can work.

Also like several PPS said, increase the excersise in sneaky ways, park farther from the door (not a mile away, but not right next to it) take the stairs at the mal, not the escalators or eleveatos. Ask DS to teach the 2yo how to skip, or sumnmersault, or any number of silly funny things, even helping a two year old stand on their head is WORK (I am pregnant, I just can't do it right now!)

Join him in his diet so he is not alone, and plan a weekly splurge diet depending, so friday night is popcorn and a movie for a good week (ps popcorn has fiber and fills you up with air, two great things for dieters, reduce the butter bit by bit)

Join him in alternating water with any other beverage, increase the water (which helps with fat reduction) and reduce the juice (I am assuming you have cut pop? empty calories and not actually hydrating at all)

You may have some trouble if he is in formal schooling incorporating excersize into the hours he is there, but at least try to do it when he is home. (if you home educate, make nature walks part of science, trek on out to the park for math under a tree with a tall glass of water and a healthy snack to refresh you for the walk home. ect.)

Like a PP said milk is important for fat reduction (actually calcium so don't worry if he doesn't like milk)

I wouldn't go doing everything overnight, but instead offer him the list of ideas and ask him which one to practice each week. That way he gets the choice and he is in control of his health form the start, it will make a huge difference when he is an adult!

**Tree0164** · 08-06-2005, 07:37 AM

Re: Help with weight for the rich only

Jeannie,
Get your 2 yr in old in the stroller, your son on the bike and go walking/riding. Make it fun. Maybe track your miles that you go and say you are going to California from where ever you are. Or maybe even find an exercise video that you can do together. I know Billy Blanks has one geared towards kids.

Fill up on the fruits and veggies. Cut down on the juice and soda and drink water in between meals.

Good luck!

**Snoopy2645** · 08-06-2005, 12:53 PM

Re: Help with weight for the rich only

Yes I think biking with your kids is a good idea they have baby trailers & they have bike seats that would be good for your 2 yr old to ride in. Also another thought comes to mind how about a sport I got my dd involved in gymnastics just for an activitiy it was $25 a month but it got her moving she was about 6 & she started gaining a little weight she could go either way her dads side is all heavy people so I wasnt sure but wanted to nip it in the bud right away you know. Also I started not buying junk food only keeping healthy foods like fruits & stuff for snacks. Just a few ideas.

**34saving** · 08-06-2005, 01:18 PM

Re: Help with weight for the rich only

If you decide to walk, make it a game -- look for change! Here's a blog that tells the daily accumulation of somebody just picking up change http://changequest.blogspot.com/ I'll have to admit I took the link from Karin's blog . . . lots of good stuff there too

http://ksfinancialprogressreport.blogspot.com/ . . .might not be enough for a 13-year-old, but maybe ... . Also, any chance of a friend who likes biking/rollarblading/tennis/basketball/swimming at the beach, something cheap they can do together? (Hence taking you out of the work-out picture

) Finally, if he does start excersizing keep him away from the scale for awhile. As the fat goes to muscle he'll be getting healthier, but it might be really discouraging not to see a drop in weight. Oh, do you have space for any excersize equipment? Maybe if he could decide which one it would be motivating? (Elliptical vs. treadmill vs. total gym, etc.) People practically give that kind of thing away on freecycle.org and craigslist.org

Help with weight for the rich only