Commit to a sit-down meal most days of the week, suggests Brenda J. Ponichtera, RD, author of Quick and Healthy Recipes and Ideas (Small Steps, 2008). And don't overlook breakfast as potential family time, says Ayoob. “Kids who eat a well-balanced breakfast do better in school, have improved vitamin and mineral intake, and are more likely to maintain a healthy body weight.”
I live my ly family life very close to what this stay trim family diet suggests. However, my 19 year old is overweight and I struggle with it. His dad actually died at the age of 40 of coronary artery decease, so I panic with my son's weight. On top of it, I also have a 9 year old boy who actually eats very healthy foods. However, this summer he has been complaining because he wants to eat adult portions and when I say no he gets angry. If I am not watching, he can eat all day long. He grabs an apple, then an orange, then a piece of cheese, then eats lunch and right after he wants a snack and now I buy whole grain chips which he helps himself to. Unfortunately, food has become an issue and a battle for him. I feel he wants to eat more maybe because I always make remarks about eating healthy and eating the right portions. I truly fear that as he gets older, he will be like his brother which I can't reach to help him.
