It is clear, after decades of research into different diets for weight loss and maintenance, that losing weight is much more than calories in and calories out! There are many other factors involved in the process such as neuroendocrine, psychological, socioeconomic and others.
Did you know that?
In children, achieving a healthy weight is also very important because obesity affects the time of puberty (early onset) and possibly final height, along with all the other physiological and psychological side effects encountered in adults!
To achieve weight control, a family oriented approach will be used, through behavior modification and goal setting. Involving everyone helps increase support in making the lifestyle changes. Other members of the family often benefit as well from our visits! The child with the extra weight is not to be singled out in this effort and they will not be put on a diet! It is all about learning to eat smarter making healthier food choices, using the right portions for age, while achieving optimal growth.
The diet used is based on a combination of low glycemic index foods and Mediterranean diet! This combination provides all the nutrients needed for growth and activity while burning the extra fat and minimizing the hormonal responses that lead to overeating and overweight.
The “dietrophy” tools that will be used, based on the latest scientific evidence for best outcome, include:
- Nutrition education
- Goal setting
- Personalized meal plan to your child’s needs and schedule – to be used as a guide/menu but it is by no means the “paper that you will have to follow”.
- Shopping list of appropriate foods
- Recipes, healthy eating can be tasty!
- Food diaries
- Support and guidance