Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You sound SUPER controlling. She's a teen? Not 8? Let her eat what she wants.

Teens still need advice on healthy eating. I remember putting table salt on my roasted chicken as a teen and my father told me how excessive salt can cause retained fluid. I never used table salt again and don’t put it on the table. He appealed to my vanity of not wanting to be bloated. That’s just one example. Gaining 15 lbs in two months if there wasn’t a growth spurt is something to watch.

My physician father would do similar except he would give health-related reasons like blood pressure or diabetes. Explain what they are in simple terms and how they limit your life. I do the same with my kids and don’t see anything wrong with educating them about how their food choices will affect their body in the long-term*

* I am referring to daily/regular eating habits. Occasional treats are fine and part of a joyful life.

Sandwich/Dinner leftovers
Veggie (bell peppers, mini cucumber, baby carrots)
Juice box/water bottle
Fruit/apple sauce
Snack (granola bar, crackers, something else)

If she likes PB but won’t eat a sandwich, perhaps your own PB cracker sandwiches between Ritz crackers?