5yr old eats constantly

My husband and I are very concerned about our 5 year old daughter.  She constantly wants to eat.  We have spoken with her pediatrician who says, although she is above the weight standards for her height, we should not be concerned.  We are worried that if we do not handle her eating habits now that she will have a significantly more difficult time when she gets older.  We have really cut down on sweets and she rarely gets anything with sugar.  She drinks only water throughout the day and milk at breakfast (1%) and for lunch at school.  She is not picky about what she eats and we try to offer her healthy choices, plenty of vegetables and apples whenever she wants.  However, she is never satisfied after a meal, she has gotten to the point where she sneaks food from the cabinets or refrigerator.  Today, my husband found 4 yogurt containers in her bed and an apple!  It had only been about 2 hours since she had eaten lunch.  We have talked to her about how unhealthy it is to eat all the time and that she needs to ask before she eats something so we can help her make good choices.  We also try to ensure that she is active.  We take her swimming and let her go outside and play (where she works up a good sweat, not just sitting around).  Nothing seems to be helping.  She is wearing the same size clothes as her older sister (71/2 yrs old) and weighs more than her (though she is shorter).  I know all children grow differently but I am genuinely concerned for her future health.  We don't know what else to do and could really use some helpful advise.

[Renee Radenberg]

Her weight is just above the 95th percentile and her height is on the 90th percentile for her age. Based on her weight / age, she should be consuming approximately 1800 calories per day as recommended the following; Fruits (limit fruit juices) = 1.5 cups; Vegetables 2.5 cups; Grains (cereals, breads) = 6oz equivalents; Meat & beans = 5oz equivalents; Dairy products (milk, yogurt) = 3 cups; Oils = 5 tsp; Additional calories to be used discretionary = 195. This food needs to be divided up between 3 meals and snacks between meals daily. Suggest increasing her physical activities (play, dance, sports) to maintain weight, and not lower calorie intake due to the need of calories for growth. Limit time in front of the TV/DVD or non-active-video 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. Suggest limiting high sugar drinks/snacks and try replacing with low fat milk/yogurt or fruit/popcorn. Additional suggestions: cook only 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), fat free or low fat dairy products (skim milk, 1% milk, low fat cheese, low fat yogurts, low fat soy milk/yogurt), use plant oils, non trans-fat margarines, and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal) and limit ‘junk’ foods. Have her help you cook simple healthy foods so she learns how to eat right. Thank you for your question