In 2001, a study showed that mothers' eating habits significantly influence how their daughters eat. Even more than anything these mothers do to directly control the eating behavior of their daughters.
If that's true, have you ever wondered how your dieting behavior affects your kids?
Before you choose a new diet plan, here are some things you might want to do for your kids' sakes as well as your own:
1. Avoid perfect diets.
You're not perfect. Nobody is.
If you choose a diet that requires perfect eating behavior, you're setting yourself up for failure. And you'll probably beat yourself up when you inevitably cheat - and cheat big.
If you don't set realistic standards for yourself, your kids may think they have to meet impossible standards of perfection, too.
Isn't it better to let them see you diet realistically? Show them how you can lose weight, but still handle social occasions like parties and eating out with friends.
Show them how you can work in a sweet treat now and then without acting like it's a character flaw.
Give yourself permission to be human. For your benefit and for theirs.
2. Avoid crash diets.
You already know it's unhealthy to lose more than 1 or 2 pounds a week. So don't do it.
You wouldn't want your kids to engage in risky or unhealthy behavior. You shouldn't, either.
Unless your doctor advises you to lose weight more quickly, stick to a diet plan that helps you to lose weight gradually.
3. Don't eliminate any food groups when you're dieting.
You need proper nutrition and so do your kids. So make sure all of you eat a balanced diet with enough choices from all the food groups. That way, all of you will stay strong and healthy.
Losing weight doesn't depend on cutting out certain foods or food groups. It's just a matter of cutting calories. Wisely.
Anyone who tells you anything different is misinformed or lying. It's calories. Period.
4. Set a sensible weight loss target for yourself.
You don't want your kids to look like they're anorexic. Neither should you.
It's not healthy. And it's not attractive, either.
Besides, we all know that magazines touch up those celebrity photos so our favorite stars look perfect. It's fantasy. It's illusion. It's not real.
So get real. Diet down to a healthy target weight, then stop. There's no need to go to some fashion extreme. You wouldn't want your kids to do it, would you?
5. Avoid yo-yo dieting.
If you're jumping from one diet to another with no real success or if your weight fluctuates wildly, then you're choosing the wrong diet plans. Skip the extreme diets that torture you until you break.
You need to choose something you can live with so you can lose the weight once and for all.
Does that mean you'll never gain an extra pound or two?
Of course not. But if you choose a realistic diet plan, you'll discover how to handle minor setbacks so they don't become major problems.
At the same time, you'll show your kids how to cope with weight loss in a healthier, less frustrating way in case they ever face the same problem as adults.
Show your kids that dieting doesn't have to be torture. That it doesn't have to be unhealthy. That you don't have to become an emotional basket case.
Show them that you can have a life and still enjoy it-even when you're losing weight.
It's better for you. And it's better for them.
6. Don't overreact if you cheat on your diet.
You don't want your kids to obsess over body image. And you certainly don't want them to have their entire self-image wrapped up in what they eat, do you?
Then don't do it to yourself.
It's easy to let a diet consume your life. Every conversation, every thought, every action seems to be about food and calories and fat grams and whatever else you're counting on your diet plan.
Yes, you have to become more aware of what you eat when you want to lose weight. But do yourself and everyone around you a favor.
Keep it in perspective. Plan your meals. Then live your life.
If you deviate from the plan every once in a while, oh well. That's life. Move on.
If you choose a realistic diet plan, it won't be the end of the world. And you'll still reach your weight loss goals.
Every diet plan should allow for those times when you need to indulge.
That way, you're more likely to succeed. And everyone around you will be happier if you're not obsessed with your diet.
Plus your kids may learn to keep their body image in perspective, too.
7. Get your doctor's approval before you start any new diet plan.
This is probably the best thing you can do for your kids. Show them how to be sensible and how to take proper care of their health. Show them by taking care of your health.
It's the best gift you can give them.
Important Disclaimer: This information is presented for educational purposes only. This isn't medical advice and it's not a substitute for any advice or treatment from your physician. You should always see your doctor before starting any new diet.
Related Articles
At Last! A Scientifically Proven And Amazing Way To Loose Weight
By: Marilyn Ann Barker-Smith | 18/07/2007 | Health
Americans spend an estimated $30 billion a year on various types of diet programs and products, including diet foods, pills and drinks. You don't need to add your hard earned cash to these statistics.
If you have ever eaten junk food or processed food and then wished you hadn't because you...
Hypnotic Weight Loss: Losing Weight With Hypnosis
By: Rose Mann | 28/08/2006 | Fitness
Weight loss hypnosis is gaining momentum as a viable and popular weight loss method. It has recently been hailed as one of the most effective techniques for difficult to break habits such as binge or over eating as well as smoking.
Shed Those Pounds With These Weight Loss Tips
By: Anthony Kristovich Iii | 06/03/2007 | Fitness
Many people fail at weight loss attempts because they don't know the real way to lose weight and keep it off. There are a few tips that will make this much easier.
Little Changes Add to Weight Loss, Part 4
By: Cathy Wilson | 17/03/2008 | Health
Little changes can add up to weight loss success. One day you don't eat a bag of cookies for dinner and then the next day expect to be satisfied eating nothing but vegetables. Extremes don't work win making changes in your diet. As you accomplish one small change, add another successfully, you'll find yourself moving forward and your scale down. Before you know it, your small changes equal to big success in your weight loss.
Emotional Medication of Food
By: Cathy Wilson | 01/05/2008 | Fitness
When you have a headache, you take an over-the-counter pain relief medication. If you have an uncomfortable emotion, do you take the relief self-medication of emotional eating? For many of us that have weight issues, emotional eating is the result from attempting to change the way we feel. When we feel an uncomfortable or undesirable emotion, we provide relief by emotional eating. Medication has its proper place just as food does too.
To Lose Weight You Don't Need To Count Calories
By: Rose Mann | 24/06/2006 | Fitness
Studies show that when individuals eats the right foods, their brain is manipulated into believing that they are full much faster, thus, helping individuals to eat less, feel satisfied and lose weight.
How To Change Your Lifestyle To Lose 10 Pounds
By: Ryan Cote | 15/05/2006 | Advice
Like a slap on the face, the idea strikes you— you need to lose 10 pounds. Perhaps Grandma's comfort food has left you bulging around the waist, or watching too much television hasn't given you enough time to exercise. You decide to lose weight, now.
Trimspa - Weight Loss Miracle Or Misrepresented?
By: Keith Woolley | 23/08/2006 | Health
The following article presents the very latest information on Trimspa. If you have a particular interest in Trimspa, then this informative article is required reading. Trimspa is now distributed online in the UK by Boots Herbal Stores.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Wieght loss tips PLZ!
By: taekwondogirlx72 | 23-07-2008
I only have one month to lose at least 10 pounds...... what do i do!!! i need to look good for the newe school year!!!!
Click Bank's #1 Affiliate Program
By: workingant | 21-07-2008
What do you think about ClickBank's #1 Rated Affiliate Program?
http://1abundantjoy.com
I am a 20 yr old female with BACK FAT that will ...
By: cherriangel973 | 20-07-2008
I am a 20 yr old female with BACK FAT that will not budge. The back fat is unsightly! It really upsets me because its not like i can suck in my back lol i can't wear a tee without love handles and muffin tops! I have a flat stomach and a horrible back so I know it's hereditary. My vices are eating a large dinner (but usually low-fat) late at night @ 10 and going to bed 3 hours later. I get light to moderate cardio in the daytime. What exercises do I need to be doing that will really get in there and TONE so i can change my shape.
Well im about 40 pounds over weight and i have ...
By: minniedabbers | 19-07-2008
well im about 40 pounds over weight and i have been walking and eating less and no results what can i do to loose the fat
What exercises can i do to get rid of belly fat ...
By: mike hanegan | 18-07-2008
What exercises can i do to get rid of belly fat?Qt=q
Diet
By: tanushree | 17-07-2008
I'm 5"1' tall. Presently i weigh 139 pounds. How much calories should i eat each day to loose 1 pound in 1 week? Can i eat 1 granola bar each day if my calorie intake is within 1200 calories per day?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
Reduce Salt Intake, Reduce Life Insurance, Live Longer
By: Catherine Harvey | 24/07/2008
A look at the way our salt intake needs to be balanced for a healthier life.
Weight Loss Secrets - Lose Weight for the Summer Now!
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
Summer is here again and for sure, men and women alike would like to enjoy the sun and the beach. But enjoying is not complete if you can not wear your favorite sexy swimsuits, right? But with all the websites available in the internet, it is too difficult to know...
Weight Loss Surgery - Is Surgery For Losing Weight Worth It?
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
If you have been dieting for a long time that you feel like you are on some kind of eternal weight loss program, for sure you have been considering on or thinking about having a weight loss surgery done. Weight loss surgery is not a new way towards losing weight...
Weight Loss Surgery Testimonials - Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For You?
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
There are many people who want to lose some weight. With this growing demand for products and services that promises the users weight loss in shorter period of time, more ways of losing some pounds in the body are also offered. Some may resolve to strict dieting, heavy exercises, weight...
Weight Loss Tea - The Healthy Way to Lose Weight
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
Is it true that drinking tea is a healthy way to lose weight? We are now aware of how famous tea variants are working well in the bodies to help health conscious people to lose weight. However, though reported to be effective, still some people are saying that weight loss...
Weight Loss Workout - Discover How to Build a Fit and Healthy Body Now!
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
When it comes to saying good bye to fats, nothing says it more than having a very good weight loss workout. It has become a common fact and idea that when any person decides and sees the need to slim down, automatically the words 'weight loss workout' come into mind....
Turn Your Shade From Dark to Light
By: James Brown | 24/07/2008
Has your old skin whitening done wonders for you? Have you found something to rely on when it comes to your skin's health and whitening needs? Don't be stuck with the old ways of skin whitening, there is a new answer for your problems, Glutathione.
Glutathione has become one of the...
Nutritional Health Resources Online
By: James Brown | 24/07/2008
Finding health resources online is quick and simple when people use health calculators to describe health conditions that they are currently experiencing. The nutritional health resources online can help people find nutritional supplements to relieve some health related symptoms and through a daily regimen, people have the ability to control...
Health 
