Weight loss programs geared especially to kids don't abound. Children have special nutritional needs that make it impossible for them to simply cut down on calories to lose weight. Instead, they need a balanced, nutritious plan that will provide them with all necessary vitamins but still reduce their overall caloric intake. Before you put your kid on a diet, talk to a doctor and ask for his opinion or recommendation.
Slimkids Program
The SlimKids program was created in 1995 by a formerly overweight teen who wanted to teach others how to eat right and lose weight without gimmicks or risky fad diets. The creator of the program is now a registered nurse. SlimKids is based on the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and offers keys to help kids make lifestyle changes that, in turn, result in weight loss. A positive outlook and view of food and exercise are at the core of the program.
The Slimkids program consists of a book that features recipes, tips on eating at school, motivational quotes, sample menus and suggested activities to help you burn calories. The program also comes with a 10-week food journal so you can keep track of your eating. No special meals are needed, and you will not have to give up your favorite foods, even if it means learning to incorporate pizza and sandwiches into the menu. Unlimited support with a professional is available after purchasing the program.
Trim Kids
The Trim Kids Program is based on a book written by a team of specialists that includes doctors, dietitians, exercise experts and behavior modification specialists. This is one of the few commercial weight loss programs that can be used for kids as young as six. If you live in California, Trim Kids offers a 12-week course in several locations near Los Angeles, where kids and parents can learn about nutrition, changing habits, being more active and setting goals. Participants get to work with a registered dietitian to review food journal entries and learn what changes are needed.
If you don't live in California, you can still buy the program through the company's website. The set includes a book covering all the basics on nutrition and fitness, as well as an activity diary, tables and worksheets to help you in understanding portion size, improving your self-esteem and changing habits. The program also contains valuable information so parents can learn how to guide their kids toward sustainable weight loss.
SparkTeens
SparkTeens is the sister page of SparkPeople, one of the largest weight-loss communities on the Web. The website offers a small section for parents and teachers to learn about the program and how they can offer support, but all the information is written with kids in mind and takes into consideration their needs and wants. In its own words, SparkTeens is for kids over 13, although younger ones might benefit with an adult's guidance.
The program is completely online and free and requires no sharing of personal information. You can sign up with just a username and immediately access a number of tools, including food and exercise logs, interactive community and help from experts, nutritional calculators, quizzes on health and nutrition, goal-setting tables and a workout organizer. You can also set up your own free Web page, where you can list challenges, add friends, join teams and publish photos and videos.
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