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No Fried Foods

© Betty O. Spangle

My son is fat. He is not large, chunky, heavy, big boned or plump. He is fat. And it's my fault.

My son is ten years old, and he is so very intelligent that he can read some of my college level textbooks.

Why is he fat? Why is it my fault? Well, he weighs 140 pounds and is 10 years old. He is obviously fat and I worry about his health, his future, his social contact, and his ability to lose the weight. It's my fault because I am fat. I contributed genetically to his problem. But, that's not all. I also contribute psychologically.

I teach him by example, and it’s obvious that the example I’m setting is not a good one. I am ashamed to say, that I am failing my child as a parent.

So, why did I call this article No Fried Foods? Because that’s what the pediatrician said to my son today. No fried foods, no sodas, and no extra helpings. Water, juice, and exercise, along with portion control and careful meal planning. No snacks and no junk foods.

So, tonight, at dinner, my son asked me what he could eat, and if dinner had been fried. I was upset because, though I had planned an actual healthy meal for once (pasta in fat free broth / lean pork loin in 1 oz strips with fat free PAM spray and vegetables stir fried / and, here’s the problem, spinach fried with bacon and butter).

So, why was I upset. Because I knew about the spinach. I was also upset because I know that my son faces so many discriminations, and a life time of struggle with food / weight / emotions.

I would have given any thing to spare him from this hell.

So. Now what? Well, we start slow, and weed out the spinach (no pun intended). We work on fruit / nuts and vegetable snacks instead of pudding / cookies / ice cream. We walk together, because we both need the exercise badly, and because it is the best type of exercise for fat people. (It’s good for the heart too, and we have to counteract tonight’s spinach dish somehow)

I think the doctors advice might be the best thing to happen to me in a long time. It’s the cold water to the face that I needed to wake up and see how out of shape I am, and how unhealthy my child is becoming. I have 3 sons, and I love them all very much. The oldest is too heavy, and I want to help him, and set an example for my two smaller sons. I love my son enough to lose weight for him. I know I should lose it for myself first, and I will, but for my son is a powerful motivator as well. My son needs a good example, and I need a healthier life. Seems like a fair trade to me.