daughter keeps gaining weight

Our daughter was a breastfed baby however weighed 29lbs by 1 year. She has never "outgrown" her baby fat and continues to gain 10lbs every year since she was 4. She looks heavier than ever and even though she is tall it is concerning. We feed our kids a very natural diet and avoid processed foods that aren't whole grain etc. We limit tv and try to encourage outside play although now in the AZ summer it's pretty impossible. I am just at a loss right now. She LOVES food and we are constantly having to control her portions at mealtimes telling her to listen to her tummy and that she has to feel full. Almost always though, she says she isn't and wants more. She is starting to try and sneak in an extra bite off the counter now too. How do we help her to learn her full cues without making her feel controlled? She makes healthy snack choices like a piece of fruit and a cheesestick etc. but meal times and when we do have homemade desserts available she would be unstoppable if it weren't for us telling her "no more." We have 3 younger boys who are all very lean. She is actually the healthiest eater of them all. Is it possible that she has a very slow metabolism? Or that she just eats too much? Please help!

[Renee Radenberg]

Both her weight and height are over the 95th percentile for her age. She has a larger stature then children her age. It is good to hear you limit TV and have her engage in activities. Activities need to be on a constant basis. Try dancing which is fun and helps to stabilize her weight. Suggest limiting high sugar drinks/snacks and try replacing with low fat milk/yogurt or fruit/popcorn/cheese. 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. Make exercises fun for her and do not punish so she stays with it. Have her help you cook healthy foods so she learns how to eat right. Hoped that gave you additional ideas.