A 2008 study in Italy linked savory, energy-dense snack foods with childhood obesity. And USDA research shows the percentage of children eating three regular meals a day has decreased over the past 25 years, while consumption of high-calorie snack-type foods has gone up. “Unhealthy snacking can have an impact on academic performance, energy levels, and weight,” Ayoob says.
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.
