balanced meal

Hi there, my daughter is overweight with a very big (looks 6 months pregnant) bloated tummy. She does netball and hockey in winter and tennis and cricket in summer and also modern dancing twice a week.  She only wants to eat rice, potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes,pastas and no other veggies. She does not like fruit.  What can you suggest in terms of eating habits/menus that she will eat for her to loose some weight?  I've tried disguising veggies in meals but to no avail. Help, what can I do? Can it perhaps be that she's intolerant of something and if so will a ordinary doctor be able to help her?

Thank you so much

[Renee Radenberg]

From your measurements, both her weight and height are above the 95th percentile for her age. She is big for her age, however, she is overweight. She is eating all carbohydrates as per what you stated her consummation of food. For her age, she needs approximately 2000 calories per day. Limit high sugar drinks/snacks and try replace with low fat milk/yogurt or fruit/popcorn. 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, if she accepts them. If she likes yogurt, then you can make her a yogurt smoothie, as a protein portion of a meal, with no-fat yogurt and frozen strawberries. She gets in fruit. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal) and limit ‘junk’ foods. It is great she is active, however, suggest increasing her physical daily activities more (play, dance, sports) to maintain weight because she is still a child and is growing. Limit time in front of the TV/DVD/computer 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. Have her help you cook simple healthy foods so she learns how to eat right. Make everything fun so she will enjoy living healthy. Hope this helped you.