I was on the Atkins diet 2 years ago and lost 80 pounds. Due to the stress from a new job, I quickly went off the plan and gained back 20 pounds. I am currently back on the diet and have already lost 7 pounds. Starting weight 209. Now 202.

My children are feeling self-conscience about their weight. But I have no idea what carb intake I should keep them on.

My daughter is 13 and weights 145, 5'2



I know I say at 20 carbs a day, But I know my children need more carb intake than that. Any helpful information would be appreciated.

Thank you

With kids, I would just cut out all the junk food, fast food, and empty calories. I would still include whole grains like whole wheat, oatmeal and brown rice. I'd keep the milk, but nix the sodas and juice. Encourage lots of water. Keep lots of LC snacks around as most kids seem to be grazers and want something fast to grab: cut up veggies and dip/ranch, hard-boiled eggs, fruit (I wouldn't limit this for kids), nuts, cheese, etc. I use Splenda as a sweetener for my kids' oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt (buy plain whole milk and flavor/sweeten as desired), etc. It is an artificial product, but it seems to me much less evil than sugar (see a link to a list of sugar evils in one of my recent journal posts).

Just my opinion, but hope it helps some. Kids obviously need a LOT of nutrients for their growing bods, so I wouldn't limit healthy whole foods.

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Staci

Welcome.

Staci's right. For children, the best thing is to cut out the sugar and refined grain products. Don't put them on any specific carb count, but do encourage activity. Kid's need to move to be healthy.

Hope you'll make yourself at home!

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hello.

i agree with the other folks here. with children, just cutting out white flour and sugar in and of itself will probably be all they need without even counting carbs specifically. you're probably eating more veggies than ever, so that means more is availble to them. having healthy snacks around (like carrots and ranch dip, for example) and keeping that junk food out of the house and they will most likely loose weight without even trying.

my youngest (15) has lost considerable weight over the last year (like 30 pounds) JUST from my altered grocery shopping habits, without any effort at all to eat specifically low carb. in fact, she complained about it vigorously! but i did notice she doesn't complain as much now that she's wearing new, smaller size pants.

good luck to you! looking forward to getting to know you.

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I started a little over 2 weeks ago and I got my children involved. My son (12) was 181 lbs when we started and he is already down by 11 lbs. I just cut out all the sweets, no more bread, cakes, candy. I replaced our every night of a pasta or rice side dish with fresh veggies. None of them have complained once, It has been amazing to watch. He is really getting into what he can accomplish and he really wants tog et the weight off. He has become very active, when given the choice of playing a video game or going outside he choses going to play outside. I am so proud of him.


Nikki

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Nikki:butterfly

Start date 2/11/06
299/299/140

nikki-that's wonderful news! and what better motivation could somebody have to stay focused than changing their 12-year-old's life? you made me tear up a little there (but if you asked me about it, i'd deny it).

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