Girls on the Run: When Kids Fear Fat

Amber Greviskes — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Diet & Weight Loss, Fit Family

If you coach long enough, you become accustomed to the normal aches and pains of childhood: A tummy ache, a hurt foot or a skinned knee.

Last week, more tummies rumbled than normal. And, as coaches, we were forced to have our seasonal discussion about the importance of eating lunch.

Some simply don't like the food that's served in the cafeteria. Others skip meals because they are "fat."

Dieting, the girls believe, is a great option because their mothers and other female role models do it.

What they don't understand, said psychologist Dena Cabrera who works at Remuda Ranch, a treatment facility for women with severe eating disorders, is that healthy weight management is about creating a lifestyle that includes balance, variety and moderation in meal choices.

Instead, children often get messages at very young ages that being thin is important. They see models and celebrities who are beautiful and associate that with popularity.

The important connection that young girls make, which lead to eating disorders, isn't about looking a certain way. Instead, they see these women as well-liked; and as puberty hits, with it's social hierarchy, girls strive to achieve "it-girl" status.

Parents might notice changes in moods, problems functioning in school, isolating tendencies and relationship changes around those who might be developing an unhealthy relationship with food. They may tell parents they want to go on a diet or that they feel like they don't fit in. Others won't eat at the table or will overeat, eat when they're bored or have a difficult time discerning when they're hungry.

Before the obesity crisis, it would seem unlikely that children would actually need to watch what they eat. In the last few years, however, children's weights are soaring. Nearly 20 percent of American children are obese. Parents, however, don't seem to think their child's weight is an issue. In a recent study, scientists discovered that 75 percent of mothers and 77 percent of fathers with overweight kids thought their child was healthy. Half of moms and 39 percent of the dads with obese children thought their son or daughter was normal.

Although some children may need to modify their eating habits if they are overweight or obese, parents should never tell children that they need to diet. Parents should also avoid labeling food as a "special occasion treat" because that gives those foods power.

"People make really rigid rules," Cabrera said. "But if you eat intuitively and really listen to your body, you'll eat when you're hungry, stop when you're full and make choices that will fuel your body."

Parents should also choose their words carefully when talking to their children, especially if they're thinking about instituting lifestyle changes to stave off weight gain. When children say that they're fat, parents need to counter with positive affirmations that their children are highly valued for more than just how they look.

"Tell your child that 'we all have different sizes and shapes, which is partially based on genetics,'" Cabrera said. "Reassure children that they are beautiful the way they are and remind them of their positive traits. Tell them that you love their smiles, sweet spirits or spending time with them. You can compliment the physical, but you have to sprinkle it throughout."

Regardless of a child's weight -- whether they are normal weight, overweight or obese -- parents should focus on creating an environment where children are working to improve their overall health, not just their figures. Parents can stock their pantries with healthy foods as well as limited sugary or salty snacks.

At snack time, we offer various treats for our girls -- yogurts, fruit, granola and popcorn. We discuss the different benefits of protein-filled snacks (perfect for repairing tired muscles) and carbohydrates (to give us extra energy). Though some of the girls can't eat certain items, they can always find another one they enjoy.

A mother herself, Cabrera notices that it is always the children who live in homes where sugar is off limits who overeat at classroom parties or other events where sweet treats are offered. Those who live in homes where parents focus on moderation will most likely eat a more balanced meal, choosing many different snacks.

"People were never meant to fight against food or be fearful of it," Cabrera said. "We give food a lot of power, but you have to look at people as individuals and not label their weight or eating habits as good or bad."

Learn how athletics help kids improve their self-esteem.

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Jogger Strollers Keep Parents Running

Bev Sklar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fitness, Fit Family

Photo: mikebaird, Flickr

Having a child does not spell the end of your running career. Runner-parents everywhere are taking their kids along with them thanks to jogger strollers. But before you buy and run, here's a top-line look at available brands today and common-sense fitness tips to keep you running smart with baby until they're outrunning you someday.

Easy-Stroller-It. Whether you gave birth to the baby or are a proud, sleepless papa, you need to gradually ease into stroller running to prevent injury. "Running mechanics change and targeted muscles are trained different while pushing a stroller," exercise physiologist Fabio Comana tells The New York Times. He suggests you lower your time/pace/distance and walk first, then run/walk with an empty stroller before strapping in junior. Don't miss A Runner's Guide to Jogging Strollers over at Running Times Magazine for a comprehensive look at jogging with baby.

Take a Test Run. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, same goes for a stroller. Does it feel right for your body type/stride? How does it handle? Don't kick the tires, but do kick up your heels.

Continue reading Jogger Strollers Keep Parents Running

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Girls on the Run: When Kids Fear Fat

Jogger Strollers Keep Parents Running