Child is eating a lot

[Natim1970]

My 8 years old is eating more than me. She is always hungry and not a picky eater. She is active every day in swimming and tae kwon do but she already has a belly hanging out. It seems that all my effords to limit her eating are going nowhere. She says that she understands the danger of being overweight but she just can not stop eating. We do not have any junk food in the house not we ever go to macdonalds or fast food restaurant. My husband and i are not overweight. I execise every day and if my daughter doesn't have an activity that day i make her walk with me but she is still getting big. Please help.

[Renee Radenberg]

Her weight is between the 95-90th percentile and her height is just above the 10th percentile for her age. Based on her weight / age, she should be consuming approximately 2000-2200 calories per day for her to grow as recommended the following; Fruits = 2 cups; Vegetables 2.5-3 cups; Grains (cereals, breads) = 6-7oz equivalents; Meat & beans = 5.5-6oz equivalents; Dairy products (milk, yogurt) = 3 cups; Oils = 6 tsp; Additional calories to be used discretionary = 267-290. This food needs to be divided up between 3 meals and snacks between meals daily. It is recommended to increase children's physical activities to lose weight and it is great that she is active. Limit time in front of the TV or non-active-video / computer games. There have been studies showing the longer the length of time a child sit in front of the TV, the greater the weight gain. If she is hungry give her very low calorie/ no calorie snacks, such as fruit, vegetables sticks, air popped popcorn, diet jello, or salad with very little dressing. Eat low fat meats (chicken, fish, loin of pork) or non-meat sources (soy products, nuts), low fat vegetarian combinations (rice & beans, pasta & beans, low fat cheese & pasta), substitute dairy products (low fat soy milk/soy yogurt), use plant oils, non trans-fat margarines, and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal). It is great you are setting an example for her by your eating habits. Hoped this helped you.

[Natim1970]

I want to add that my daughter is eating healthy by any means. No juice no soda no chips or pizza. She is a very active child.But I am afraid that with age she will gain even more weight. I just can not stop her from eating. She will be abset and will ask me what else she can eat. Most of the times she will settle for some fruit after the dinner and throught the day for her snack. But if I am not around she will eat anything she can.