I use stevia to sweeten a lot of things. It's totally natural. This is a Canadian site but it's a great resource - http://www.steviacanada.com/ Also I mix my kids oatmeal with a little bit of yogurt that was sweetened with honey. They love it!
YAMSIK 5/2/07 4:26 P
I have the huge problem with my younger son - overweight. He dosn't like to move even he is in a sweemteam and has 2h practises 5days a week. I cook for my family, so he its out only at school and portion is very small. My problem (or it is his problem???) he just denies to eat any fruits and veggies, just potatoes, tomatoes, sometimes apple or grape. Beckie, thanks for Dr.Sears' book name - I checked website and just sent this link to my son to read info there. He does not like how he looks, he even tried to register here on SP after me, but not 18 yet. From another hand, he is passive and doesn't try to do something to change his diet. May be this book will help us.
CUDA440 5/2/07 9:50 A
We use a lot of Propel flavored water. My 2 year old loves it. You can even water it down even more. Just put a little of it in a glass and then just add regular water to it. There is still plenty of flavor for them. Have you tried the Splenda or Stivia (SP?) One of the articles that I read today said to mix 2 cereals. 1/2 cocoa puffs and 1/2 regular cheerios. SP suggested a book called Dr. Sears' LEAN kids book. I was able to get for under $3. It gives some good suggestions for foods, exercises and such. I am still part way through it. We do a lot outside. My 3 year old just got new outdoor toys for his birthday. Bike, scooter, T-ball set. He also loves to kick the soccor ball around and have me chase him. He likes to try and step on my shadow. Which can be a great tag game. The other book I purchased (also suggested from SP) was the family fun fitness book. This lists different games to play inside, outside, warm weather, and cold. They give the age range, and all the rules and how many people are needed.
Beckie
CAERYL 4/30/07 12:19 P
There is nothing wrong with oatmeal. We get the old fashioned oats.. the one you have to cook. I add dried fruits to our oatmeal.. and nuts..
I would give a smaller portion to the 2 year old.
I would encourage you all to do something physical together.. We tend to go on hikes or ride bikes as a family.
I have used Crystal Light but I do serve it very rarely.. I do push the water though.. I try to keep to the unprocessed foods as much as possible.
My daughters help me prepare the food.. Especially when I make enchalladas.. lol They love to glop the stuff on the low carb tortillas ...
it will take time to get your children to eat right.. You can show them by your own example...
They can still have treats but not every day... I think you have a good start... don't be discouraged...
Caeryl
SPARROWINHA 4/29/07 12:23 A
It sounds like you're doing a good job limiting their sugar intakes. I wouldn't do the artificial stuff with kids. If you want them to lose weight, I would say keep feeding them healthy meals, encourage portion control, but don't get so uptight about it that they hide food from you. A 2yo needs a lot less food than a 9/10yo, so don't serve the same-sized portions. Involve them in cooking, shopping. Encourage them to choose healthy meals they like for a menu. Make healthy living a family thing. Do fun stuff they like outside: bikes, ball, jumprope, hopscotch. Hope that helps!
EMNDARMIC 4/28/07 7:56 P
Hi..I have posted this on other sites but they all feel that kids don't NEED it, they are right, but this is real life here..LOL :)
I have a 10, 9 and 2 yr old. I'm trying my best to feed them right, less sugary carbs etc but they do eat oatmeal, bran flakes etc, and like to have fruit in it but I don't always have fruit if it was eaten the night before. Anyhow, what do you sweeten your kids foods with? Do I use andlimit regular sugar? Artifical sweetener and if so what kind? I've read soooo many bad articles on that stuff, but I use it too.
The oldest NEEEEEEEEEEED to lose weight, DD about 40ish pounds and son about 20 lbs..I'm so mad that I let their weight get this out of control. She is tall, already almost 5'1", wears a size 9 1/2 womens shoe and just turned 10 at the end of Dec, but she is very very thick everywhere too.
So my question is..when it comes to cereal, oatmeal, iced tea etc what do I use? Any certain name brand etc? I was giving them crystal light along w/ regular plain water and milk, but read about the cancer causing agents in artificial sweetener. So now I'm not sure what to feed them.
