Helping Your Daughter with Weight Issues: Tips and Advice for Parents

[AnnieBee]

I also recommend to EVERYONE, get a food scale, it is so hard to really know how much you're eating/what size a "serving" is without one. And I agree with Becky, better to have some cheese or nuts (when measured out to be a reasonable serving) that is high in protein and will keep you feeling full, than lo-cal snacks that are just carbs, and end up making you hungry 10 mins later... But you really have to watch your portion size with these. Apples are good too, because you can't eat them too fsat,and they do make you feel full!

I can't remember if I said it before here, but triscuits and cottage cheese are one of my favourite snacks for being high in fibre and protein, and you get that salty crunch too and creamy dairy too!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Well, the first place my OBGYN sent her was an endocrinologist who did nothing. He asked me what I knew about thyroid issues and said "yes, you are right. But it is perfectly normal for girls her age to have thyroid issues". So, after driving 3 hours one way, sitting for an hour and a half after our scheduled appointment, and seeing the doctor for 5 minutes, I was charge 450.00 and sent home with instructions to come again in 3 months and they would check her out. That was last spring. My OBGYN doesn't want to monitor her thyroid because it is not her area of expertise and because DD is so young. Our regular doctor is testing her every 3 months. She was checked in November and he lowered her dosage because he said her thyroid levels were right where they need to be.

I will ask the OBGYN about the PCOS.

She and I went to WM tonight and bought some protein snacks and food for her to take for lunch. She got some bananas and special K protein bars, smoothies, and lemonade to add to her water. These things she can put in her locker for a midmoring snack. She also picked up some yogurt and some special K cereal for breakfast. She will start her arobics class on Thursday and speak with the women's health nurse. We will see how it goes.

doctors not wanting to monitor me because I was too young to have thyroid issues...is what caused me to become infertile (my ovaries shut down)- become insulin resistant, and I was on my way to developing Addison's disease. I'm sorry you are dealing with crappy doctors. I can't stand crappy doctors!

Over a three year period I saw SEVEN doctors, ALL specialists... I think I've mentioned before that my body was a couple of years away from just shutting down completely and I would have died.

I pray you will find just the right doctors to listen to you, regardless of your daughters age. Crap, my good friend's sister, who is 30 years old has to have both her breasts removed next week because of breast cancer. She has 3 kids, cancer does NOT run in her family, she's healthy and she's THIRTY! So don't fall for that "your daughter is too young" crap that they are feeding you. The squeaky wheel get's the grease...the more you demand, the better treatment and help your daughter will get!

Hugs to you and her.

Sorry if I sound a bit "pissy"... but news like this really ticks me off. If any one of those 7 doctors would have listened to me, I might be the mother of at least one child by now, but instead I'm battling just to get out of bed and remain joyful each day, and deal with infertility, heavy periods, Hormone replacement therapy, special eating plans, insomnia or extreme fatigue, mood swings, pain, back problems, knee problems and the list goes on...

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Soooo - are you saying you are following the Ultra Metabolism plan now? Because if you are - we could help keep each other accountable!

I need to learn more- that might be what I need.

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Those special K protein bars are not healthy either. She needs a whey or rice based protein. Also, she seriously can't have sugar- no high fructose corn syrup, no candy, no donuts, not cake... when you have a potential thyroid issue, and potential female issues, sugar is the worst thing- it also will continue to make her have heavy periods. Soy is also something she should stay away from- so look for whey or rice based proteins. Chef Becky is one of the best with recommending the best types of food for your daughter to eat.
Frootloops are a no-no, too!
I would consider looking into the books that Becky suggested, and also looking into this website for your daughter!

I think it's great that you are looking for several ways to help her out! Keep it up!

She'll have to watch her simple carbs, and learn that the day after she eats anything salty will affect her weight- and not for the good. She should weigh herself in the morning, naked, and after she's gone potty and before she's eaten to get a true sense of her actual weight.

Hope all this helps. You and her are in my prayers, Shawna! Love ya!!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

doctors not wanting to monitor me because I was too young to have thyroid issues...is what caused me to become infertile (my ovaries shut down)- become insulin resistant, and I was on my way to developing Addison's disease. I'm sorry you are dealing with crappy doctors. I can't stand crappy doctors!

Over a three year period I saw SEVEN doctors, ALL specialists... I think I've mentioned before that my body was a couple of years away from just shutting down completely and I would have died.

I pray you will find just the right doctors to listen to you, regardless of your daughters age. Crap, my good friend's sister, who is 30 years old has to have both her breasts removed next week because of breast cancer. She has 3 kids, cancer does NOT run in her family, she's healthy and she's THIRTY! So don't fall for that "your daughter is too young" crap that they are feeding you. The squeaky wheel get's the grease...the more you demand, the better treatment and help your daughter will get!

Hugs to you and her.

Sorry if I sound a bit "pissy"... but news like this really ticks me off. If any one of those 7 doctors would have listened to me, I might be the mother of at least one child by now, but instead I'm battling just to get out of bed and remain joyful each day, and deal with infertility, heavy periods, Hormone replacement therapy, special eating plans, insomnia or extreme fatigue, mood swings, pain, back problems, knee problems and the list goes on...

This is why Kacey and I are so passionate about this situation with your daughter, Shawnna!

We have both had many DR's brush us off, or tell us there was nothing wrong with us, or misdiagnose us....and for both of us, it tooks YEARS to get someone to go beyond the symptoms and treat the real issues. Kacey's are more severe and went on longer than mine - but after not feeling well for a couple of years...and it getting worse all the time instead of better - I went through several DR's and all kinds of tests, only to end up with a misdiagnosis of Fibromyalgia. I went with that for several years - trying everything I could to get healthy. No matter what I did - I never felt better than just "okay" - and after a while, I began to be progressively worse again.

I FINALLY - through the leading of the Holy Spirit - was lead to a wonderful woman who is an alternative medicine practitioner. She was the first Dr. to ever believe me, and to do tests that not one other Dr. had even suggested. It turns out that for many years, I had undiagnosed Lymes Disease. It's not something commonly tested for here in MI, because ticks are supposedly not a problem here. (Lyme's is contracted from infected Tick bites) No one ever asked me if I had been hiking/camping in tick infested areas though. (I had - in several areas, several times prior to my symptoms beginning)
The problem is that the longer Lymes goes untreated, the more damage it does to your body. I now struggle with hypothyroidism, and my adrenal system as a whole is pretty much shot. I have arthritis, and hormonal issues, and all because I was misdiagnosed, and undiagnosed for years - because DR's wouldn't believe me.
YOU must be your daughter's advocate. If what the DR is telling you doesn't sound right to you - then don't let it rest! Research (Thank God for the internet!) and research some more. If the DR doesn't give you decent answers or refuses to listen - find a different DR who will listen to you!

You are a very smart and brave Mama! You want the best for your daughter - and I will be praying for you both as search for the answers you need.



FYI - testing is now showing that a great # of people with "fibromyalgia" actually have Lymes Disease. Symptoms are very much the same!

 

[PCMelissa]

I didn't read through all of the responses, so sorry if this was already mentioned.

Does she WANT to exercise, but just doesn't find anything that holds her interest? I just bought Turbo Jam and let me tell you, it is FUN!!! It is like a mix of Tae Bo and Hip Hop Dance. I LOVE it. It has great music. It is very easy. The first video really takes time to teach you each of the moves. I LOVE to dance, but I am not necessarily coordinated.... but I can do this, and I have fun. I am 32, but I think this would be a perfect workout video for younger people. Particularly because of the hip hop edge. I feel so cool doing the videos, lol

It sounds like she needs to move a bit more to boost her metabolism... and she probably isn't eating enough. Sounds weird I know.

Turbo Jam is a bit expensive, but it would be cheaper than paying monthly to a gym, and if she sticks with it, then it is certainly worth it. It is $60 dollars, but comes with 5 workouts, some weighted hand gloves, and an eating plan, etc. I also searched online for a Turbo Jam Coupon Code, and found one that worked for 10% off. You could also try getting it from Ebay or something. Just google "Turbo Jam" and see if it is something she thinks she would like!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!

 

[baychef]

Shawna I was wondering what Ultra-Metabolism is?

As a director of school food service, I would make an appointment to see the director at your daughter's school. You may be surprized that many items that normally are considered fattening are actually not as fattening. For instance, our gravies and cheese sauces are made with a low fat powder base. Our meats are drained of all fat. No doubt there are fattening items there too. Even though all of our foods are baked, the fries, etc. are pre-cooked which means they are deep fat fried somewhat, then baked to a golden brown color.

The USDA has very strict guidelines for us to follow with total fat and saturated fat levels. I completed the USDA food order today and was happy to see brown long grain rice now as a choice.

Just guess that I wouldn't count the school lunch out until you look into it. We don't tell the kids about the low fat things too much...mainly because they would reject them...luckily, I can see students changing and are not as afraid of that.

With soups, just becareful of the sodium. I too do best with a higher protein, 3 to 4 vegetable servings a day , no more than 2 fruits and a small serving of white or sweet potato or brown rice for my starch. It is hard to have 6 small meals in while in school but that would help keep hunger at bay.

I give you and your family so much credit. Especially proud of your daughter taking good care of herself. Sounds like she is motivated! Is there a pool she could go too? That would take some great pressure off her knees and provide a great aerobic workout. Stretch bands are great! I have a pair in my desk at work!

I also commend you for taking in all of the kind hearted advice given here. Seems to underscore the need for individual solutions to our weight. One size does not fit all.

 

[Lisa/ChefBear]

Badgirl,
What is :

Greek yogurt (it's less caloric than yogurt and tastes better)

??

And where would I find it??

Thanks,

Lisa

 

[Kitchen Diva]

This is why Kacey and I are so passionate about this situation with your daughter, Shawnna!
We have both had many DR's brush us off, or tell us there was nothing wrong with us, or misdiagnose us....and for both of us, it took YEARS to get someone to go beyond the symptoms and treat the real issues. Kacey's are more severe and went on longer than mine - but after not feeling well for a couple of years...and it getting worse all the time instead of better - I went through several DR's and all kinds of tests, only to end up with a misdiagnosis of Fibromyalgia. I went with that for several years - trying everything I could to get healthy. No matter what I did - I never felt better than just "okay" - and after a while, I began to be progressively worse again.

I FINALLY - through the leading of the Holy Spirit - was lead to a wonderful woman who is an alternative medicine practitioner. She was the first Dr. to ever believe me, and to do tests that not one other Dr. had even suggested. It turns out that for many years, I had undiagnosed Lymes Disease. It's not something commonly tested for here in MI, because ticks are supposedly not a problem here. (Lyme's is contracted from infected Tick bites) No one ever asked me if I had been hiking/camping in tick infested areas though. (I had - in several areas, several times prior to my symptoms beginning)
The problem is that the longer Lymes goes untreated, the more damage it does to your body. I now struggle with hypothyroidism, and my adrenal system as a whole is pretty much shot. I have arthritis, and hormonal issues, and all because I was misdiagnosed, and undiagnosed for years - because DR's wouldn't believe me.
YOU must be your daughter's advocate. If what the DR is telling you doesn't sound right to you - then don't let it rest! Research (Thank God for the internet!) and research some more. If the DR doesn't give you decent answers or refuses to listen - find a different DR who will listen to you!

You are a very smart and brave Mama! You want the best for your daughter - and I will be praying for you both as search for the answers you need.



FYI - testing is now showing that a great # of people with "fibromyalgia" actually have Lymes Disease. Symptoms are very much the same!

Yep, passionate is a very good word, Becky. I cannot tell you the heartbreak that I face almost monthly at knowing that doctors caused me to become infertile. I actually had doctors medically induce me with menopause at the age of 25 in order to help me with what they just thought was heavy periods- it was the beginning of the hormonal imbalances, because I was NOT a good candidate for birth control, yet they kept shoving it down my throat. So after they shut my ovaries down for 6 months, they NEVER came back on...which then set the ball in motion- add to that years of being misdiagnosed, then 2 years of on again off again prednisone for a bad back injury and you have one sick young woman... it just went down hill from there. It wasn't until I went on Weight Watchers that I finally knew something was wrong with me- and by the Hand of God, I was led to someone who had studied under Dr. Schwarzbein- and was finally diagnosed with what I had been trying to tell doctors for 3 years- amazing.

I know this doesn't affect your daughter now- but the hormonal imbalance is so bad in me, that I'm lucky to have enough hormones to actually not only desire sex once a month, but to be able to even carry through with it- you have no idea how much you count on your hormones to make things work down there! So like I said, I'm lucky to even want it once a month, and do not think for one minute that the lovin' with my hubby is just bad and so I don't want it, that is not the case- the hormone deficiency just really screwed my body up.

It's so hard to live with, it's stressful on your spouse, etc- and being someone with burnt out adrenals, my body is in over drive 24/7- so I'm always on empty!

I'm passionate because I don't want your daughter to go through what I've gone through, nor do I want her to be 36 years old, and desiring to have a family, and crying each Christmas because there are no kids to share Christmas with, or any other number of things that just stink about my situation.

Thankfully, God is healing me, and I'm getting better, but the progress is slower than a turtle in cold molasses- but it's there.

Thanks for letting me passionately talk about my health issues, in hopes that it will help guide you into finding the right doctor for your daughter. Local health food stores will often be run by people who know good local doctors or other types of non-traditional health practitioners that can lead you to someone that will actually help you and not send you out the door with a "nothing's wrong"

I actually had a 400 pound doctor tell me that I just needed to stop eating so much and go on a diet. So he put me on a 1200 calorie a day diet. After further testing by a non-traditional medical professional, I found out that my organs, and brain and body need 1200 calories a day just to function properly. Had I not found that out, I would have gotten seriously ill, as I was not giving my body any additional food for more than just "keeping it alive"...

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Shawna I was wondering what Ultra-Metabolism is?

As a director of school food service, I would make an appointment to see the director at your daughter's school. You may be surprized that many items that normally are considered fattening are actually not as fattening. For instance, our gravies and cheese sauces are made with a low fat powder base. Our meats are drained of all fat. No doubt there are fattening items there too. Even though all of our foods are baked, the fries, etc. are pre-cooked which means they are deep fat fried somewhat, then baked to a golden brown color.

The USDA has very strict guidelines for us to follow with total fat and saturated fat levels. I completed the USDA food order today and was happy to see brown long grain rice now as a choice.

Just guess that I wouldn't count the school lunch out until you look into it. We don't tell the kids about the low fat things too much...mainly because they would reject them...luckily, I can see students changing and are not as afraid of that.

With soups, just becareful of the sodium. I too do best with a higher protein, 3 to 4 vegetable servings a day , no more than 2 fruits and a small serving of white or sweet potato or brown rice for my starch. It is hard to have 6 small meals in while in school but that would help keep hunger at bay.

I give you and your family so much credit. Especially proud of your daughter taking good care of herself. Sounds like she is motivated! Is there a pool she could go too? That would take some great pressure off her knees and provide a great aerobic workout. Stretch bands are great! I have a pair in my desk at work!

I also commend you for taking in all of the kind hearted advice given here. Seems to underscore the need for individual solutions to our weight. One size does not fit all.

Ditto, Shawna... I love ya tons, and hope my rantings help! I'm sorry I get a little too excited when I talk about this stuff- clearly I'm still a little upset about what's been done to be due to doctors that would rather throw some pills my way, instead of get down to the bottom of the problem. I'll try not to get so riled up!! :blushing:

 

[Ish]

Badgirl,
What is : ??

And where would I find it??

Thanks,

Lisa

you can find it at Trader Joes or other whole food type stores...

 

[Shawnna]

she went to her second arobics class and enjoyed it...although she complained about her ankles hurting and her knees hurting and even her fingers hurting. All of which is normal. She is watching what she eats and getting more active. Yes, I realize fruit loops have a lot of sugar...10 g in that little 90 calorie bag...but it is better than a candy bar and it is only for a treat. We have to start somewhere. She is learning to make better choices and drinking more water. She had her first pop in a week Sunday night...I am proud of her for cutting back. She gets outside when the weather is pretty...its been cold here for several days.

I really don't know a lot about carbs, and protein, etc. I am having to study and learn. Thanks for the help. Just please keep her in your prayers.

 

[raebates]

I'll continue to keep her (and you) in prayer, Shawnna.Just a thought . . . I had a lot of trouble with my ankles and knees because they were out of alignment due to soft arches. It might be a good idea to buy her a good pair of athletic shoes so that she has plenty of support. If that doesn't help, ask her doctor about checking her instep.

 

[chefshawna]

Yes - it is still Thyroid medication - it's just derived from natural sources, instead of being chemically produced. All chemical thyroid meds only address one part of the thyroid issue but the Armour Thyroid addresses T3, T4, and TSH levels.

The problem is often finding an MD who will prescribe it. Not because it isn't effective, but because its very effective, and it isn't from a major distributor(pusher:grumpy. So, the MD's don't get paid as much for prescribing it.

Wonder if it would work if you have no thyroid?? I had to have mine removed d/t cancer and am currently taking Levothyroxine and doing well with it, but I'm sure a natural med would be better for me. I'll have to ask my Endo.
Oh, and if your daughter has thyroid disease, she can't take diet pills. I was going to try to take them after my surgery and my Endo. said NO! He suggested WW, so I have recently signed up for the free week trial online and am hoping to get some info. and then cancel it. You could try that. Good luck!

 

[DebbieJ]

you can find it at Trader Joes or other whole food type stores...

Our Dominicks/Safeway store carries it too.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Wonder if it would work if you have no thyroid?? I had to have mine removed d/t cancer and am currently taking Levothyroxine and doing well with it, but I'm sure a natural med would be better for me. I'll have to ask my Endo.
Oh, and if your daughter has thyroid disease, she can't take diet pills. I was going to try to take them after my surgery and my Endo. said NO! He suggested WW, so I have recently signed up for the free week trial online and am hoping to get some info. and then cancel it. You could try that. Good luck!

Good luck with that - most Endo's will only use the synthetic thyroid meds - because of the kickback they get.....I had to find a DR who also uses alternative meds in order to get it. I am doing 100% better since then, though.

 

[Ish]

HI Shawnna,I hope things work out with your situation, you guys are in my thoughts and prayers...
I wanted to let you know that there is a great program you can use for free, or purchase the full version if you like called FitDay. I love it!!www.fitday.com it is a great way to track what you eat, how much you exercise, how many calories you can burn etc... and it is fun to see your progress with their graphs and such. It is very user friendly, so I don't think your daughter would have a hard time getting used to it, plus it gives her a calculating tool so she can track everything...I would recommend it, as I really enjoy using it. check it out!

 

[sk8rgrrl99]

Wonder if it would work if you have no thyroid?? I had to have mine removed d/t cancer and am currently taking Levothyroxine and doing well with it, but I'm sure a natural med would be better for me. I'll have to ask my Endo.
Oh, and if your daughter has thyroid disease, she can't take diet pills. I was going to try to take them after my surgery and my Endo. said NO! He suggested WW, so I have recently signed up for the free week trial online and am hoping to get some info. and then cancel it. You could try that. Good luck!

Weight watchers is a great idea! Then she won't eat too much OR too little and she can make sure she gets all the nutrients she needs. I did pretty well on weight watchers.

 

[babyicebean]

She could try Slimming World.They have a dedicated teen programme, which is easier for them.

 

[Shawnna]

I am very proud of my daughter. We have gone for 1 week and she has been watching her calories, writing down everything she eats, drinking lots of water...she has had 1 glass of tea and 2 cokes which she usually drinks 2 cokes a day (or more). We don't count on Sunday because we usually go to church and then out to eat and then home to rest and back to church and out to eat again with church friends. Even though we didn't count Sunday, she carefully picked her meal and didn't overeat. I am going to have her weigh in the morning...I have tried to get her to weigh every morning but she won't get on the scales. The fact that she is writing everything down is a big thing. It has made her think about her calorie intake and all the junk that we normally eat. Her arobics class is only two days a week so I have to encourage her to get active at home, but she is realy doing good considering. Even if she hasn't lost any weight this week, she has started some good habits and is slowly getting rid of some bad habits. So, I am proud of her.

 

[chefshawna]

Good for her!! I think getting rid of the bad habits is the hardest part! I'm sure that with such a caring and supportive family that she'll get through this great! Kudos to you for encouraging her to lose weight and eat healthy!

 

[DebbieJ]

I am very proud of my daughter. We have gone for 1 week and she has been watching her calories, writing down everything she eats, drinking lots of water...she has had 1 glass of tea and 2 cokes which she usually drinks 2 cokes a day (or more). We don't count on Sunday because we usually go to church and then out to eat and then home to rest and back to church and out to eat again with church friends. Even though we didn't count Sunday, she carefully picked her meal and didn't overeat. I am going to have her weigh in the morning...I have tried to get her to weigh every morning but she won't get on the scales. The fact that she is writing everything down is a big thing. It has made her think about her calorie intake and all the junk that we normally eat. Her arobics class is only two days a week so I have to encourage her to get active at home, but she is realy doing good considering. Even if she hasn't lost any weight this week, she has started some good habits and is slowly getting rid of some bad habits. So, I am proud of her.

DO NOT make her weigh every day! Once a week MAX. Seriously. Daily weighing will drive both of you crazy.

 

[AnnieBee]

Sounds like she (and you!) are off to a great start - well done.

It's time for me to get rid of my major snacking habit and get back to excersizing...

 

[Ish]

Weighing yourself every day will get very discouraging... because everyone's weight fluctuates every day, once a week is plenty... I worked for Jenny Craig as a trainer for over 6 years. We would suggest that clients would weigh at the same time every week or within a couple of hours, that way the numbers wont be compromised by retaining water in the evening, or bloated from sitting/sleeping or salt intake, etc... since your body fluctuates all the time.:grumpy:If you can find a convenient time that you can stick to, it would help be a motivator... maybe Saturday since you go out on Sunday, it gives her a week to get back on track again... oh and by the way...if she needs a treat of some sort, we used to let our clients know that McDonald's ice cream cone is low fat and only has about 100-150 calories... the breakdowns for sugar and carbs can be found on their website... it will give her a chance to "splurge" without doing huge amount of damage to her eating plan...:thumbup: