4 year old on Atkins diet

Is it good or bad to have a 4 year old on the Atkins diet?

[live4fitness]

I would think bad. They need carbs for energy and for muscle growth. I don't think their bodys are ready for fat flushing and I really don't think there kidneys will be able to handle the ketosis it goes through. I would ask a dr.

[pertykitty]

no children (or adults for that matter) should use the atkins diet. have you discussed dietary options with his dr? how overweight is your child? what i have read kids that need to lose weight need to do so very slowly. they need plenty of exercise, fresh fruits and veggies (which atkins doesnt allow) and make sure they dont eat sweets or fried foods. try to get your little one to like water, not so much milk or juice or gatorade ect. for sure this would need to be monitored by his.her pediatricion. you know what looks like fun is some of the kids exercise videos where they dance.

[ryn21]

The Atkins diet has many flaws, and surely this method would be bad for your 4 year olds health.  You should start off by feeding him healthier foods, with no preservatives or additives (non-processed, cut sugar carbs).  You can get these foods at whole foods stores in your area (do a google search).  Substitute juices and sodas for water.  That may take some getting used to, as I can recall drinking gallons of kool-aid as a kid; but it will help.  Sports drinks may be a great alternative as well, althoug check the ingredients and sugars first.  An increase in physical activity would surely help your child lose the fat.  Children have a higher metabolism and their bodies burn off calories faster.  Whatever you do, dont cut the carbs out completely, just the bad, processed carbs.  Talk to your family Pediatrician to see what he/she suggests.  DO NOT USE THE ATKINS APPROACH!

[andypandy08]

Are you mad.. why on earth would you deprive your child from dairy products which is so important when growing.. plus its totally cruel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MaggieKee]

A 4 year old on The Atkins Diet, I would think this was child abuse....Unless there was a perfectly logical reason for it????!!!

[allmymarbles]

What a weird question. Children especially need lots of wholesome food from every food group. Give them whole milk, eggs, lots of vegetables, fish, some meat, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and all the fruits you can think of. Just don't force feed them and don't allow any junk food in the house. And don't give in to childish food preferences like sticky desserts and sodas. They won't even deisre these if they are not brought up eating them. Serve tasty home-cooked meals and they will eat them. Buy organic if you can afford it. You will have fine healthy children of normal weight, with bright eyes and plenty of energy. Those obese children you see waddling around are allowed to eat whatever they want and their houses are stocked with junk food that their lazy parents do not even feed to their dogs.