Today I want to share some keto family health tips with you and the reason behind our lifestyle change.
My son John is almost 11, and he is overweight.
He has been overweight since birth, and I now attribute his weight to nursing him while having very unhealthy eating habits.
Our extended family members struggle with weight, diabetes, and numerous other diseases that stem from an unhealthy lifestyle, and I knew I didn't want that for my son.
While my son's weight doesn't bother him, I know that will change with time.
Right now, it limits him physically, but he doesn't seem to notice emotionally.
He's always been my slowest child, the one who complains about having to walk around Disney World or hates to play sports because he's not fast enough.
A few months ago, I noticed that his weight had increased dramatically.
It was a wake-up call when I realized how quickly he had gained weight, and I knew I wasn't doing him any favors.
That's when I started working on a plan of action.
The last thing I want to do is watch my son struggle with health issues for the rest of his life.
Did you know that more than 68% of the US is overweight?
That number is insane. Weight is about so much more than beauty and self-esteem; it's about the quality of life.
I don't want my son to spend the rest of his life taking insulin injections or gout medication.
I want him to be healthy and happy and to prosper in anything he sets out to do.
Keto Family Health Tips:
I have always loved reading scientific diet and exercise books, but I finally found the solution I was looking for with the Keto diet.
Processed foods, sugar, gluten, and carbs. That's what had to go.
I knew that if I wanted John to lose weight and get healthy, I would have to give my pantry and fridge a makeover, and that's precisely what I did.
I decided to start small and test the plan on myself first.
Within three weeks, I had lost over 10 pounds and was never hungry. I felt incredible and was ready to share my new love for whole foods with my family.
John has been eating whole, unprocessed foods for two weeks and has lost 7 pounds.
He told me that he feels better and is never hungry anymore!
How awesome is that?
With that in mind, I thought I would share some tips I have learned over the last month that have made my life much easier.
1. Pack Your School Lunches
While the local school systems may consider pizza a vegetable, we know better!
When you start packing your child's lunch, you can choose what your child needs to remain well fueled throughout the day.
Kids love the variety, and giving small portions of 5-6 healthy items can be an excellent way to teach kids how to make intelligent choices.
The sad thing is that the adults at your child's school are probably tempting your child every day with foods that are not healthy.
When my son started the keto diet, he would come home and tell me about every food he had to resist that day. I was proud of John because he did an excellent job, but I know it wasn't easy.
One teacher wanted to reward him and offered him a Twinkie.
When he told her he couldn't eat it, she did a great job finding him something he could have (she gave him a bag of peanuts), but not every adult will work so hard to accommodate your child.
If you want to get serious about keto with your kids, a note to the school may be your best bet.
Other than that, you have to hope your children will be strong enough to resist the many temptations coming their way.
Bonus Tip: I bought storage containers and big bulky lunch bags.
Later I replaced my kid's containers and bags with these fabulous PackIt Freezable Lunch Bags (toss them in the freezer when the kids get home) and Rubbermaid LunchBlox (the kids love these).
2. Plan Well When Eating Out
We all eat out occasionally, but planning is a must when you want to make healthy choices.
Before we go to a restaurant, I check out the menus online.
I share those options with my family when I find one with some excellent choices.
My kids (and sometimes my husband) need to know what they can have when we eat out.
I don't focus on what they can't have; I focus on healthy options and get them excited about their choices.
3. Make Exercise A Family Affair
Today's kids would be happy to sit and play video games all day long, but that is not the lifestyle we want them to lead.
That's why it's so important that they get outside and get active.
The problem is that kids don't play as much anymore, so many games we grew up with are dying out.
Instead of telling your children to go outside and play, why not teach them how to play the games you loved as a child?!
Not only is this a great way to get everyone active, but it's also a bonding experience your kids will never forget.
Get a trampoline, go camping, and have fun together!
4. Educate Your Family & Friends
When people hear that you're trying to lose weight, their response can be less than encouraging.
Instead of telling your family and friends what your children are not allowed to eat, focus on sharing why your family is choosing to live this lifestyle.
Teach them about making healthy choices, and share the rewards you've reaped from eating more nutritious foods and staying active.
While they may be skeptical at first, eventually, they will start to support your choices, and who knows, maybe they will join you!
5. Make Whole Foods Fun!
We have to compete with Sponge Bob and Dora, which is not easy!
Make whole foods fun by running cooking workshops for your children and their friends.
Spend time teaching your kids how to prep and store food, cook simple meals, and even grow a garden.
When you put a fun spin on healthy, kids will get excited. You want your kids to want to be healthy, not because you force them, but because it's something they consider essential.
I hope you've found these tips helpful! Here's to raising happy, healthy kids!
* We strive to make all recipes according to our dietary standards.
Our recipes have to meet the following criteria: Low Carb, High Fat, Moderate Protein, Sugar-Free (we only allow natural fruit, veggie, and dairy sugars in our diet), and Gluten-Free.
You can learn more about how we eat and how to figure out the macronutrient amounts you need daily.
Nanci J Bradley says
What nice ideas. I plan to use some of your recipes for my child care. Thanks for doing this. I have been very, very, low carb for 10 years and lost 100 lbs. Love all your good info and will be happy to share some on facebook, pinterest and twitter. Do you have a facebook page?
ketosizeme says
Naci, I do, I will add those today. Thanks for asking.