How to talk to 9yo about overeating

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

1. Pack up and put the leftovers away after serving dinner.
2. Stick with mostly whole grains in the house which are more sustaining and higher in fiber
3. As I said, you can say that you shouldn't fill up your body on foods that don't have a lot of good nutrients (like Snickers).
4. Have set snack times and healthy snacks, don't skip meals
5. IMO I don't think having those high calorie foods you mentioned are an issue as long as you are doing everything else I mentioned (being active, eating as a family, eating 5 fruits/veg a day, guiding portion sizes for meals). But if they really become problematic in terms of overeating them, just don't have them in the house all the time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

DP: We do what PPP lists above, and it works well for us! Mainly, I know we’re giving our kids the gift if a healthy start in life.

You disagree, PP, but you don’t understand. We don’t have granola bars or Cheerios! We only have whole wheat bread and brown rice. We do regularly eat non-whole wheat pasta, but honestly it’s not easy to binge on food you have to first boil water for and then cook. And there is nothing wrong with a second giant handful of cashews — go for it!

Of course PPP’s list is “impractical” if you are unwilling to refrain from buying granola bars, sugar-filled yogurt, and juices. But for those who follow tge advice for real, it works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

Yep. In my house you can add more green beans or whatever vegetable is being offered. If you are still not full, there are always apples, oranges and bananas. and you can have apples, oranges and/or bananas anytime you want -- there are no restrictions on those. But you are definitely not eating as much rice as you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

Yep. In my house you can add more green beans or whatever vegetable is being offered. If you are still not full, there are always apples, oranges and bananas. and you can have apples, oranges and/or bananas anytime you want -- there are no restrictions on those. But you are definitely not eating as much rice as you want.

This is so toxic. There is nothing wrong with rice, and a banana is not better for you than rice is. Why should a hungry kid who’s just had sports practice eat 3 apples instead of an extra serving of rice? Also, rice is boring - anyone who’s given the opportunity to “binge” on rice is going to get bored of it pretty fast. You make it exciting by restricting it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

DP: We do what PPP lists above, and it works well for us! Mainly, I know we’re giving our kids the gift if a healthy start in life.

You disagree, PP, but you don’t understand. We don’t have granola bars or Cheerios! We only have whole wheat bread and brown rice. We do regularly eat non-whole wheat pasta, but honestly it’s not easy to binge on food you have to first boil water for and then cook. And there is nothing wrong with a second giant handful of cashews — go for it!

Of course PPP’s list is “impractical” if you are unwilling to refrain from buying granola bars, sugar-filled yogurt, and juices. But for those who follow tge advice for real, it works.

No one said anything about juice and sugar filled yogurt…

But living in a house with absolutely zero heathy snacks outside of fruit, vegetable, cheese isn’t a realistic for families with multiple kids with different nutritional needs and schedules. Neither is zero leftovers. While you can’t binge on raw noodles or rice, you certainly can on cooked. And most people have leftover rice/noodles from a meal. And guess what the kid is going to want? Those extra noodles, whether they are put away or not. And that is fine. Parents can say no. You shouldn’t be afraid to say no to your child. You aren’t going to give them an eating disorder bc you tell them no more rice or pasta after they’ve already had seconds..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

Yep. In my house you can add more green beans or whatever vegetable is being offered. If you are still not full, there are always apples, oranges and bananas. and you can have apples, oranges and/or bananas anytime you want -- there are no restrictions on those. But you are definitely not eating as much rice as you want.

This is so toxic. There is nothing wrong with rice, and a banana is not better for you than rice is. Why should a hungry kid who’s just had sports practice eat 3 apples instead of an extra serving of rice? Also, rice is boring - anyone who’s given the opportunity to “binge” on rice is going to get bored of it pretty fast. You make it exciting by restricting it.

So you wouldn’t have any issue with your clinically overweight kid having a third serving of rice at dinner?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

Yep. In my house you can add more green beans or whatever vegetable is being offered. If you are still not full, there are always apples, oranges and bananas. and you can have apples, oranges and/or bananas anytime you want -- there are no restrictions on those. But you are definitely not eating as much rice as you want.

This is so toxic. There is nothing wrong with rice, and a banana is not better for you than rice is. Why should a hungry kid who’s just had sports practice eat 3 apples instead of an extra serving of rice? Also, rice is boring - anyone who’s given the opportunity to “binge” on rice is going to get bored of it pretty fast. You make it exciting by restricting it.

So you wouldn’t have any issue with your clinically overweight kid having a third serving of rice at dinner?

I have a lot of questions about this scenario. Why is my kid overweight? If they weren’t active that day, why are they eating so much rice - is it a hormonal thing? An emotional thing? And also, what is wrong with me that I’m cooking boatloads of rice for one meal than policing how much people eat? Ultimately, it doesn’t seem like the answer in this scenario is just to tell the kid no more rice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

Yep. In my house you can add more green beans or whatever vegetable is being offered. If you are still not full, there are always apples, oranges and bananas. and you can have apples, oranges and/or bananas anytime you want -- there are no restrictions on those. But you are definitely not eating as much rice as you want.

This is so toxic. There is nothing wrong with rice, and a banana is not better for you than rice is. Why should a hungry kid who’s just had sports practice eat 3 apples instead of an extra serving of rice? Also, rice is boring - anyone who’s given the opportunity to “binge” on rice is going to get bored of it pretty fast. You make it exciting by restricting it.

You have not met my family. lol

I have a cousin who will eat rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner if she did not hold back. She never gets tired of eating rice.

She has some really serious health issues, and she was asked to give up rice for a while so they can try to figure out what was going on. That was 10 years ago, and she refused. She still has those issues. She eats rice every single day and has to hold back so she does not eat it more than once or twice a day.


I never get tired of bread. I could eat bread for every meal 365 days a year. But I don't because it consitipates me and leads to some really bad symptoms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

Yep. In my house you can add more green beans or whatever vegetable is being offered. If you are still not full, there are always apples, oranges and bananas. and you can have apples, oranges and/or bananas anytime you want -- there are no restrictions on those. But you are definitely not eating as much rice as you want.

This is so toxic. There is nothing wrong with rice, and a banana is not better for you than rice is. Why should a hungry kid who’s just had sports practice eat 3 apples instead of an extra serving of rice? Also, rice is boring - anyone who’s given the opportunity to “binge” on rice is going to get bored of it pretty fast. You make it exciting by restricting it.

So you wouldn’t have any issue with your clinically overweight kid having a third serving of rice at dinner?

I have a lot of questions about this scenario. Why is my kid overweight? If they weren’t active that day, why are they eating so much rice - is it a hormonal thing? An emotional thing? And also, what is wrong with me that I’m cooking boatloads of rice for one meal than policing how much people eat? Ultimately, it doesn’t seem like the answer in this scenario is just to tell the kid no more rice.

Your kid is overweight bc they like to eat a lot. They are active and you buy “heathy” foods, they they like to eat- a lot. It isn’t complicated and this is pretty similar to what OP is facing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

Yep. In my house you can add more green beans or whatever vegetable is being offered. If you are still not full, there are always apples, oranges and bananas. and you can have apples, oranges and/or bananas anytime you want -- there are no restrictions on those. But you are definitely not eating as much rice as you want.

This is so toxic. There is nothing wrong with rice, and a banana is not better for you than rice is. Why should a hungry kid who’s just had sports practice eat 3 apples instead of an extra serving of rice? Also, rice is boring - anyone who’s given the opportunity to “binge” on rice is going to get bored of it pretty fast. You make it exciting by restricting it.

So you wouldn’t have any issue with your clinically overweight kid having a third serving of rice at dinner?

I have a lot of questions about this scenario. Why is my kid overweight? If they weren’t active that day, why are they eating so much rice - is it a hormonal thing? An emotional thing? And also, what is wrong with me that I’m cooking boatloads of rice for one meal than policing how much people eat? Ultimately, it doesn’t seem like the answer in this scenario is just to tell the kid no more rice.

So you would restrict by cooking less rice. Isn't that still restricting? What happens when your child decides she can just cook more rice than you would cook?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

Yep. In my house you can add more green beans or whatever vegetable is being offered. If you are still not full, there are always apples, oranges and bananas. and you can have apples, oranges and/or bananas anytime you want -- there are no restrictions on those. But you are definitely not eating as much rice as you want.

This is so toxic. There is nothing wrong with rice, and a banana is not better for you than rice is. Why should a hungry kid who’s just had sports practice eat 3 apples instead of an extra serving of rice? Also, rice is boring - anyone who’s given the opportunity to “binge” on rice is going to get bored of it pretty fast. You make it exciting by restricting it.

So you wouldn’t have any issue with your clinically overweight kid having a third serving of rice at dinner?

I have a lot of questions about this scenario. Why is my kid overweight? If they weren’t active that day, why are they eating so much rice - is it a hormonal thing? An emotional thing? And also, what is wrong with me that I’m cooking boatloads of rice for one meal than policing how much people eat? Ultimately, it doesn’t seem like the answer in this scenario is just to tell the kid no more rice.

Your kid is overweight bc they like to eat a lot. They are active and you buy “heathy” foods, they they like to eat- a lot. It isn’t complicated and this is pretty similar to what OP is facing

Okay, if my kid is active, and the foods they are “overeating” are beans, plain rice, plain pasta, bananas, I’m guessing they are just a husky kid and will either grow out of it or will just be a bigger adult and that’s fine. Nobody becomes bed ridden with obesity from overeating healthy foods.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

Yep. In my house you can add more green beans or whatever vegetable is being offered. If you are still not full, there are always apples, oranges and bananas. and you can have apples, oranges and/or bananas anytime you want -- there are no restrictions on those. But you are definitely not eating as much rice as you want.

This is so toxic. There is nothing wrong with rice, and a banana is not better for you than rice is. Why should a hungry kid who’s just had sports practice eat 3 apples instead of an extra serving of rice? Also, rice is boring - anyone who’s given the opportunity to “binge” on rice is going to get bored of it pretty fast. You make it exciting by restricting it.

So you wouldn’t have any issue with your clinically overweight kid having a third serving of rice at dinner?

I have a lot of questions about this scenario. Why is my kid overweight? If they weren’t active that day, why are they eating so much rice - is it a hormonal thing? An emotional thing? And also, what is wrong with me that I’m cooking boatloads of rice for one meal than policing how much people eat? Ultimately, it doesn’t seem like the answer in this scenario is just to tell the kid no more rice.

So you would restrict by cooking less rice. Isn't that still restricting? What happens when your child decides she can just cook more rice than you would cook?

I’m going to make approximately the amount of rice I think my family wants to eat. If I have one child, overweight or not, who always eats a lot of rice, I’ll probably make extra and let them eat it. Or if one meal I make too much rice and there is a lot leftover, I’ll make less next time. Again, why would I routinely make too much rice - enough that this extra rice is supposedly making my child overweight - but then refuse it to anyone in my family? Is there someone else in my family who does “deserve” the extra rice? If so, why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

Yep. In my house you can add more green beans or whatever vegetable is being offered. If you are still not full, there are always apples, oranges and bananas. and you can have apples, oranges and/or bananas anytime you want -- there are no restrictions on those. But you are definitely not eating as much rice as you want.

This is so toxic. There is nothing wrong with rice, and a banana is not better for you than rice is. Why should a hungry kid who’s just had sports practice eat 3 apples instead of an extra serving of rice? Also, rice is boring - anyone who’s given the opportunity to “binge” on rice is going to get bored of it pretty fast. You make it exciting by restricting it.

So you wouldn’t have any issue with your clinically overweight kid having a third serving of rice at dinner?

I have a lot of questions about this scenario. Why is my kid overweight? If they weren’t active that day, why are they eating so much rice - is it a hormonal thing? An emotional thing? And also, what is wrong with me that I’m cooking boatloads of rice for one meal than policing how much people eat? Ultimately, it doesn’t seem like the answer in this scenario is just to tell the kid no more rice.

So you would restrict by cooking less rice. Isn't that still restricting? What happens when your child decides she can just cook more rice than you would cook?

And if they want to go through the trouble of making extra rice, fine, they must really be hungry!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

Yep. In my house you can add more green beans or whatever vegetable is being offered. If you are still not full, there are always apples, oranges and bananas. and you can have apples, oranges and/or bananas anytime you want -- there are no restrictions on those. But you are definitely not eating as much rice as you want.

This is so toxic. There is nothing wrong with rice, and a banana is not better for you than rice is. Why should a hungry kid who’s just had sports practice eat 3 apples instead of an extra serving of rice? Also, rice is boring - anyone who’s given the opportunity to “binge” on rice is going to get bored of it pretty fast. You make it exciting by restricting it.

So you wouldn’t have any issue with your clinically overweight kid having a third serving of rice at dinner?

I have a lot of questions about this scenario. Why is my kid overweight? If they weren’t active that day, why are they eating so much rice - is it a hormonal thing? An emotional thing? And also, what is wrong with me that I’m cooking boatloads of rice for one meal than policing how much people eat? Ultimately, it doesn’t seem like the answer in this scenario is just to tell the kid no more rice.

So you would restrict by cooking less rice. Isn't that still restricting? What happens when your child decides she can just cook more rice than you would cook?

I’m going to make approximately the amount of rice I think my family wants to eat. If I have one child, overweight or not, who always eats a lot of rice, I’ll probably make extra and let them eat it. Or if one meal I make too much rice and there is a lot leftover, I’ll make less next time. Again, why would I routinely make too much rice - enough that this extra rice is supposedly making my child overweight - but then refuse it to anyone in my family? Is there someone else in my family who does “deserve” the extra rice? If so, why?

Maybe you should tell us since you are the one bringing up family members who "deserve" extra rice. What a strange interpretation!

You can keep rice in the fridge for the next day, you know. You don't have to pick who gets extras and who doesn't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If overeating is a big issue, here's what I would suggest and it all centers around healthy eating habits that can be sustainable for the rest of her life.

- Figure out as many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables and fiber into the diet. Maybe she likes veggies crunchy and raw, maybe she likes them sauteed. Maybe she likes to eat fruit before dinner, or for breakfast - maybe there are certain fruits she likes better. Aim for 5 a day. There are a lot of delicious healthy recipes for whatever kind of palate she might have

- Incorporate lean protein and complex carbs into daily diet.

- Keep junk food and candy out of the house, especially the prepackaged kind. If you want a treat, go out as a family together for ice cream. Feel free to get occasional fries or chips when you are out at a game or wherever. Also feel free to cook together occasionally to make homemade treats.

- Invite her to participate in meal planning and cooking.

- Never talk about "bad foods" or "good foods". You can say that veggies and fruits are chock full of nutrients that help her body grow and get stronger and it's important to eat them every day. You can also say that some foods have less of those wonderful nutrients, so you shouldn't fill up on them. In general, don't make food such a big focus on your daily lives. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

- If portions are a problem, just make enough food for your family and portion out your plates for dinner. If they are still hungry and want seconds, there is none left, but make sure there are plenty of fruit and veggies available if they are still hungry.

- Talk during meals, it slows the eating down. Keep it light and positive.

- Water only, no juices or sugary drinks.

- Be good role models for healthy and balanced (not restrictive) eating habits and positive body image

- Be active as a family on the weekends and after school if possible.

This is good in theory but impractical. Kids can overeat anything, but they especially like the carb stuff that nearly all households have: cereal, pretzels, granola bars, bread, pasta, rice. And high calorie foods like nuts, cheese, BP, avocados. While don’t have “junk” food, you still may need to say no, you can’t have a second bowl of plain cheerios or a second bowl of nuts, or no to a second giant handful of cashews. And cooking meals with “no leftovers”ever isn’t practical either and nearly impossibly to do.

And while the “good/bad” food thing is popular no no saying, it shouldn’t be. Maybe you don’t have to specifically use the words good and bad, but you do need to explain why you can have as much broccoli as your heart desires, but you shouldn’t do that with Snickers. Why you should only eat one serving of ice cream and cake at a birthday and not “as much as you want” Kids need to know. Especially if “as much as they want to eat” is really too much

Yep. In my house you can add more green beans or whatever vegetable is being offered. If you are still not full, there are always apples, oranges and bananas. and you can have apples, oranges and/or bananas anytime you want -- there are no restrictions on those. But you are definitely not eating as much rice as you want.

This is so toxic. There is nothing wrong with rice, and a banana is not better for you than rice is. Why should a hungry kid who’s just had sports practice eat 3 apples instead of an extra serving of rice? Also, rice is boring - anyone who’s given the opportunity to “binge” on rice is going to get bored of it pretty fast. You make it exciting by restricting it.

So you wouldn’t have any issue with your clinically overweight kid having a third serving of rice at dinner?

I have a lot of questions about this scenario. Why is my kid overweight? If they weren’t active that day, why are they eating so much rice - is it a hormonal thing? An emotional thing? And also, what is wrong with me that I’m cooking boatloads of rice for one meal than policing how much people eat? Ultimately, it doesn’t seem like the answer in this scenario is just to tell the kid no more rice.

So you would restrict by cooking less rice. Isn't that still restricting? What happens when your child decides she can just cook more rice than you would cook?

And if they want to go through the trouble of making extra rice, fine, they must really be hungry!

If they are that hungry, don't you think that they would eat extra meat, vegetables, fruits, etc, rather than wait an extra 20-30 minutes for the second/third serving of rice to cook? After all, you indicated that rice isn't that special, right?