Welcome to the beginning of healthy eating! Welcome to Lean for Life from Madison Pediatrics of KDH.
We want to help you make informed food choices that will help your child be leaner and healthier. Lean for Life will be a very different way of eating and a completely new way of looking at food. We will also search for ways to help your child increase physical activity so that it becomes enjoyable and can benefit the whole family.
We will work with you to discover new options and find success. Our program is designed to be a guide for complete family change ... not simply a change for your child. The guidelines we use are healthy options for everyone, not just those who are overweight.
Please ask questions. We know change is difficult. Be honest with us about your progress. It is the only way we can help you problem solve. We appreciate your willingness to help your child. Congratulations on taking the first step.
Lean for Life - Intake Journal - PDF
Learn for Life - Low Carb Shopping List - PDF
More about LEAN FOR LIFE ...
The strategy is based in part on the book, No more fat kids by Pediatrician James R. Bailes, MD. Our approach to your child's weight loss is detailed, and the book is designed to be a reference for you. Here are some of the highlights:
1) A key aspect in weight loss is to focus on limiting carbohydrate intake: This is different than what has been taught in the United States for over 20 years.
2) Carbohydrates are sugars in many different forms and what your body easily stores as fat when we take in more than we need. It makes up the majority of our food intake - especially in children.
3) Nutrient-rich carb-containing foods like fruits and vegetables have been replaced by processed packaged foods.
4) Sweetened drinks are a huge source of calories and sugar. They should be eliminated completely and replaced with ample water and one-percent or skim milk. If necessary, you may use diet drinks such as sugar-free Kool-Aid, Propel, etc.
5) Eating in front of any screen (TV, video games, computer) must be eliminated. It is mindless eating and results in overeating.
6) Never eat food out of its original container. Always take out an appropriate portion and put it into another container (plate/bowl). This will help control the amount you and your children eat.
7) We must eat breakfast every day, even if it's a small breakfast. This gets our metabolism going and is the necessary brain food for school work.
8) The fat in foods does not necessarily become fat on your body.
9) Protein is the "good guy" and will be the target of our eating plan.
10) Exercise is important. But no small amount of exercise can compensate for eating too much food or the wrong types of food. Safe forms of exercise for overweight children include walking (a treadmill is okay if they are old enough), swimming, and strength training with light weights as described in the book.
11) We should not be fearful of our children losing weight. We are here to ensure that it is neither too fast nor too much.
12) Being overly fat is never healthy no matter how big other family members may be.
13) Your child will have to eat differently than many other kids. Supporting him or her in their efforts will be important and help them achieve success. As parents, you are the key to their long-term physican and emotional health.
Read Denver Sexton's story.
Carb Counting ...
Here is a simple equation to remember:
Number of carbs - (fiber + sugar alcohols) = net carbs per serving. Net carbs is the number used when counting carbs per day.
When you begin the Lean for Life program, you will receive a low-carb food list in your packet of information (available above in printable PDF). Remember, proteins and fats satisfy hunger. Keeping those foods easily accessible will make appropriate snacking more successful.
Questions should be directed to your child's physician. Call Madison Pediatrics at 812-273-5437 (273-KIDS).