A child on South Beach?

[Kitti]

Hello LCFs!
New to the board! So this is my 1st post.

Ok, here we go......

I was on Atkins for two days, and boy is it hard. Felt terrible! Headache for two whole days. Couldn't do it.

Today, I took my 7 year old to the Doctor for an annual check up.
Yes, Mom and Dad are overweight. Wow, did I just admit that. Hmm
So therefore, daughter is overweight as well...per family doc.
Daughter weighted in at 101 lbs today 51 inches.
Doc saids she's overweight for her age and tall for her age.

His suggestion......
Put daughter on South Beach. And Hey, why don't mom and dad do it with her.

Question to the board...
Was told South Beach was a bit similar to Atkins. And if it was hard for me for just two days......
Should I put my daughter on South Beach?
Would it be easier for her?


HELP!

[LowCarbRachel]

Hi, Kitti!

I had headaches for six days, but I love the South Beach Diet because I have no cravings and because I love the food choices. If the headaches are bad, you can skip to Phase 2, but Phase 1 is great because it helps get rid of cravings and jumpstarts the weight loss. You'd probably want to start your daughter on Phase 2.

There are Phase 1 and Phase 2 food lists at the top of this board.

Good luck!
Rachel

P.S. I have an eight year old daughter. She likes many of my SB choices like lean grilled hamburgers and veggies.

[Type1Jenny]

I don't see how it could be bad for children. She will be able to enjoy lean proteins, plenty of fruits and veggies, low fat dairy, and whole grains. I think that those are ideal food choices for EVERYONE! Best of luck

[rose1]

Originally Posted by Type1Jenny

I don't see how it could be bad for children. She will be able to enjoy lean proteins, plenty of fruits and veggies, low fat dairy, and whole grains. I think that those are ideal food choices for EVERYONE! Best of luck

I agree. This is an EXTREMELY healthy way of life. I raised all my children on the same foods, we just didn't call it South Beach at the time. Dr. Agatston recommends that children begin with phase 2. You could start there too, if you need to. SB really is not a low carb diet in the sense that Atkins is; it's all about GOOD carbs. Our whole family eats this way. I hope you will join us.

[JillianDC]

Hi Kitti,

I'm heading out of town, but I had to answer you first because I was a little concerned about my daughter as well.

Ditto to what others have said. My 8 year old daughter isn't overweight -- thankfully she takes after her father so far!!! -- but I want her to learn to eat well and healthy. Since I started SB in January, she and my hubby have been doing it along with me because that's the way I shop and cook now. Even though I'm on Phase 1, I supplement their meals with brown rice, baked sweet potato, etc and they eat fruit and multigrain bread and cereal (so that puts them on Phase 2-3 without my even realizing it). They occasionally have something with sugar, but rarely and they're both looking and feeling better than ever. She takes a multivitamin (as I do), so check with your doctor about that. I think this is a great WOE for everyone!

As for you, I strongly suggest you start with Phase 1 for 2 weeks. I know it's hard in the beginning (it was for all of us), but stick it out because it does get easier after the first few days and you'll be amazed at how your cravings will disappear. Prove it to yourself! It's best to do it by the book and you'll be losing before you know it. Also, take your measurements (at least bust, waist and hips) because you'll see great results there, too!

and best of luck. Once you get started, post to our check-in thread and we'll be here to help you and your family all the way. YOU CAN DO IT!!!