Trim Kids

"When most of today's parents were kids, there were no computers, no video games, no cable TV channels, and few fast food restaurants. Back then, most kids spent their days riding bikes, climbing trees, and playing tag. The family got together at dinnertime, sat at the kitchen table, and ate a home-cooked meal." - Trim Kids

Overweight Children

Having an overweight child presents particular challenges - encouraging the child to move, addressing consumption of junk food, and all the while building self-esteem -- helping an overweight child is not easy.

The Trim Kids Program

Trim Kids is a superb 12 week plan that addresses virtually every challenge faced with an overweight child, pre-teen, or teenager. It is arguably one of the best programs and guides to appear in recent years. The program first appeared as a book written by Melinda Southern (et al).

The program has been tested on more than 1000 children and teens, and found to be successful. Trim Kids isn't just about nutrition and exercise - it addresses behavioral issues that have led to your child's weight problems.

The program has 10 weeks of meal plans suitable for children.

Exercise Ideas for Children

Calories are burned for all activity - not just "exercise". Trim Kids gives a multitude of creative ideas to encourage your child to move:

• Whenever you go shopping with your child, park at the far end of the lot and walk to the store. If you’re shopping for groceries, ask your child to push the shopping cart, then both of you can return it to the store when you’re finished.
• Allow your child to watch her favorite television show on one condition: she has to stand up and dance or move around for the duration of every commercial. If she refuses, turn off the TV. If she’s watching a video, tell her you’ll pause it every 30 minutes so she can walk around the block or do her abdominal crunches. If there’s an argument, no more video.
• If your teenager is a telephone talker, tell her she can talk as long as she walks. This may require a cordless phone, but it’s a worthy investment. The moment she sits down, the conversation is over. Although you can’t necessarily monitor her, you can make surprise visits to make sure she’s moving. Or, direct her to walk the length of the house so she’ll keep popping up on your end of the house. Remember, if she sits down, it’s over!

Trim Kids Sample Recipes

Oven-Fried Chicken

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Season the chicken breasts. Dip the chicken breasts into the egg substitute and roll in the bread crumbs (re-dip and roll in the breadcrumbs again for a thicker crust). Spray with the butter-flavored spray and place on a cookie sheet or baking pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Quesadillas

Spray a tortilla with liquid non-fat butter-flavored spray and sprinkle with the shredded cheese. Top with another tortilla. Lightly spray the outside of the tortillas with the liquid non-fat butter-flavored spray. Grill or pan-fry (in a non-stick frying pan) the tortillas for about 3 minutes on each side (until the cheese is melted). Cut into quarters and serve with salsa and fat-free sour cream.

Other quesadilla filling options include: chopped tomatoes, jalepeno peppers, sautéed vegetables and/or grilled chicken pieces.

Yogurt Fruit Dip

In a mixing bowl, beat together all ingredients smooth. Chill before serving. Serve with your favorite pieces of fruit.

Frozen Grapes

Wash the grapes well. Pick the grapes off of the stems and place in a freezer bag. Place in the freezer to enjoy as a quick frozen snack.

Alternatives: See more options for teens or kids here.

Last update 7 Mar 08