Dietician recommends teaching children healthy lifestyle over diet

Dear Dietitian,

Please settle an argument between my wife and me. Our 11-year-old son is about 20 pounds overweight. My wife, who has been thin all her life, wants to put him on a diet to get him on the right track. I am against the idea of a diet. What do you think?

Concerned Dad

Dear Dad,

While your son may be overweight, it is wise to approach this problem with a lasting solution instead of a weight loss diet. For the main reason, a diet is likely to begin a yo-yo cycle. If calories are restricted, the natural consequence is to overeat later. This may set up a lifetime struggle with weight problems and possible self-esteem issues.

Eating healthy does not mean eating all things green; it is eating a variety of foods that you love. Just like adults, children should eat a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats. Follow the 90/10 rule for the entire family. Eat healthy 90% of the time, and allow regular foods like pizza and burgers the remaining 10%.