Judith A. Levine, Linda Bine
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Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Diets & Weight Loss -> Diets -> Weight Loss
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Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> General
Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3
Average rating: 4.5 of 5
Eh. Overall, Good Common Sense Ideas, but reservations 3 out of 5 stars.
23 of 25 people found this review helpful.
I just read through this book for an hour or so... didn't read everything, obviously, but got the gist, I think. I like the book's sensible approach to MODERATION in both food & fitness. Baby steps, which is right on the money.
I also enjoyed reading the book's suggestions on how to discuss weight sensitively with children of different age groups, and also how to approach mealtimes without creating problems later down the line for the child.
My problem, however, is with the nutritional advice. This book is all about low-fat everything, despite being edited in 2001. Haven't we gotten past the old "all fat is bad fat" stance of the early 90's? This book is constantly suggesting we feed our children empty carbs like pretzels, bagels, fat-free chips, etc. UGH!!
While I am not an Atkins junkie, I try to keep up-to-date on nutrition and I believe simple sugars such as those described contribute to weight gain as much (or possibly even more) than our old enemy, fat. Furthermore, there are good, heart-healthy fats out there that kids should be encouraged to eat: nuts, avocado, seeds, etc. Unfortunately, this book makes no mention of this.
The suggested diets in this book, then, seem to me less than ideal for supporting weight loss while keeping the child satisfied (as is one of their "Rights of Chidren" addressed early on in the book). How can a kid be expected to be sated when his/her belly is full of empty carbs? I wouldn't be surprised that children would feel denied on such low-fat diets, and then overcompensate on fatty snacks when out of parental control.
I'd like to see a book that recommends a whole-foods snack like nuts 'n berries, as opposed to one touting the benefits of a pack of low fat crackers and some non-fat cheese spread.
Finally, on the topic of exercise... while this book includes LOTS of suggestions for working physical activity into a child's daily routine, I was hoping it would cover age-appropriate exercise goals for children. That is, how far/long is it healthy for a preschool child to walk? A school-age child? When is a good age to begin strength training, and what are some safety guidelines? etc. This information does not appear to be included in this book, which is unfortunate.
But again, I did like the overall tone of this book. It's very encouraging and also drives home how we as parents need to model healthy eating & exercise habits at home, for our children to grow up strong & fit. Cheers!
Editorial Review:
Offers parents a wide range of weight-loss solutions for youngsters of all ages that will not damage a child's self-esteem or stunt growth, sharing advice on creating a nutritious, low-fat diet, bolstering self-esteem, increasing exercise, and more.
