My son is almost 13 and i want him to make a diet ...

Hi Roei_ny, I think there's not much you can do. I have a brother who is just that age (just had his bar mitzvah) and he is just like that. Doesn't like any fruits or vegtables. My mother has learned (through me basically) that we learn on our own.. and now when his acne is starting to appear we are all persuading him to eat better and to drink water instead of coke. It takes time, but it does work, and I am the living proof.

Hi Roei_ny,

Does your son want to lose weight? have you friend talking WITH him about what bugs him?

Sometimes overweight is a way to deal with others issues, maybe someone professional can help talking to him.

Try to change the diet of the whole family. Is he buying his own coca-cola? kids don't like to be told what to do, but they are looking for guidance. Be his diet partner and guide, and of-course, this only works if he thinks he should lose weight too...

Last tip : I know that there are new video (TV)games that are based on the child movement. It is the best way to get him moving a little... try looking for something like that.

Good Luck!

Well, I think that in any age, but especially in childhood, diet doesn't really work - what works is making a change in the eating habits and living habits that would last for a while, not just till those 5 pounds are off, actually, diet usually just causes damage, being that going back to your old eating habits, the body, trying to compensate for the time of being denied certain food, takes in more fat and sugars. I think that at 13 and if there's no serious problem, the best way would be to get the kid to be more active physically rather then making him diet - how about joining a sports team or taking a martial art class? Also a dog is always a good idea - makes you go out for a walk or a run a few times a day. The thing is - he didn't get his eating habits over one day or out of the blue. And it's totally unfair to expect a 13 year old (or anyone really) to avoid soda and candy when they are in reach. If you want to get him to be more slim and healthy, the change should come from the family - there are many ways to do that - get him more involved and informed about food shopping, get the whole family to spend time out of the house, play outside instead of staying on the couch watching TV. be a better role model by changing what you eat and how you act and let the kid learn that from you. I don't think this would get him to loose those 5 pounds before his Bar-Mitzva, but it will make more healthy and thin in the long run. Hebrew article about teenage diet: http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3214925,00.html Kids and weight problems: http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-2592714,00.html

At all three meals at home do not serve him junk food and soft drinks. If he refuses to eat what you serve him do not give in. He is certainly heavy enough so he will not pass out from starvation. Once he gets hungry enough he will eat what you serve him. It is not easy because every normal mother wants to do everything to make her child happy. Again, do not give in because in the end you know that all this is for his benefit. 

Soda is like acid to the teeth and the body.  Don't buy any, and don't let him drink any if you can.

Just buy a nice selection of healthy foods - as someone here said, if he gets hungry enough he will eat.  As for what foods:

www.thepaleodiet.com

Hi my name is michelle from malta in Europe. At that age its very hard to control what they eat and drink but as a wellness coach i have found the perfect solution for kids that age. In my country we have the worst obese children in europe and its a statistic. i have herbal shakes which have great flavours like chocolate (its the most fav with teenagers). its a meal replacement and taken with the vitamins and fibres which come with the package its guaranteed that ur son will loose 3-5 kilos in a month with no hassle (giving that he does not cheat) and he will not have to do any excercise at all (although if he does it helps). where are you from? let me know if u want my help.take care good luck and regards,

michelle

he will change after he sees pretty girls in his life.

I have a son that just turned 13 and he is in the process of loosing weight without knowing it.  I stopped buying soda and replaced the sugar with sugar subsitute and koolaid/flavored powdered drinks. Brought healthy snacks fruits, nuts and berry's.  I cook every night, baking and grilling no fried foods and watch the weight drop.  Make him a tomato and cucumber salad with a light dressing as a side dish, snack or part of a meal....lay off the starches, bread and pastas or cut back on portions.