Evening star., 1941-09-01

Fat Child's
Diet Needs
Watching
Do Not Overlook
Possibility of
Gland Upset
Bp Leftice Lee Street,

Alec was a roly-poly baby. big for
his age, but now at 10 years it was
high time for him to lose his boyiSh
roundness and to develop into a
hard -muscled boy. His mother:
wondering If possibly the child had
a glandular disturbance, took him
TO see doctor. The physician
stated positively that all Alec needed
was to diet, and that for his healths
sake he should lose 10 pounds. A
diet was planned and Alecs mother
abided by it strictly, but her fat
young man did not lose an ounce.
Then one fine day Alec was dis
covered eating large banana split
In the drug store on the corner.
His family jumped on him with
such ferocity he was startled into
giving serious attention to their
admonitions. His pet privileges
were promptly taken away and he
was a sad little fat boy for several
days while he cogitated upon his
sins.
Then one morning he approached
his mother with the shining, angelic
face of cherub who has Just re-
Gently entered Heaven, and declared,
I'm sorry did wrong, mother, and
from now I am going on a diet:
my own diet" His mother smiled
at his serious young face and asked,
THAT is good, Alec, but what is
the diet?" Il promise I won't eat
anything but ice cream, candy and
cake, mother" answered the child
earnestly.
1t took some time to persuade
him why this would not do, and to
explain to him that a growing bov
must have certain other foods in
order for him to become a strong
man.
The problem of reducing an overly
lat child is often difficult because
no child can be trusted to withstand
the temptation of goodies that are
put before him. Therefore. if YOUR
child is on diet he should eat
every meal at home or in the pres
ence of his parents, and he should
not be allowed to go about with
small change in his pockets that
may be transferred into sweets at
the candy shop.
Generally speaking, the over
weight child should be on a diet that
consists principally of fresh fruits
fruit and vegetable Juices. green
fresh vegetables, milk without cream
three pats Of butter a dav, lean
meat and whole wheat breads and
cereals.
1t is essential that the growing
child receive carbohydrates. fats
protelns. minerals and vitamins
every day, but the too-fat younpster
may eat a reduced amount of fats
and carbohydrates (Which are the
starches and sugars) and still take
IN enough to complete the we'll
balanced menus he needs,
It is help to the dieting child If
tempting dishes that are taboo for
MIN are not put under his hungry
nttle nose at the table: such as
cream, sugar, Jams, candy and so on.
II Will be easier for him, too, if his
mother does not include rich. fat
tenlng desserts at meals where he is
present.
His eggs may be boiled or poached,
ana II they are scrambled only use
the tlnlest bit of butter in the pan.
1he only kind of pork he should
eat is very thinly sliced breakfast
bacon. Before serving him a lamb
chop or slice Of roasted meat. cut
of the crispy fat that he loves so
well. A cup of clear soup, a glass
OF fruit or vegetable juice, or a fruit
cocktail will help to fill him up a
little before he starts the main course
OF his luncheon or supper.
Here now, is an important word
OF warning. First, tables of weights
and heights in children are COM
piled on the average; your child is
not average, he is an individual.
Second do not attempt to put your
child on a diet of your own COM
posing, ask a doctor. Improper diets
can be extremely dangerous for
any one, and especially so where
children are concerned. A child's
doctor is positively the only one who
should direct you.
During the time your child is on
his diet be careful to watch him
for signs of fatigue, nervousness.
irritability, lassitude and for any
upsets of digestion or elimination.
At the first moment that you notice
any Of these symptoms, report them
to the doctor.
Do You Know That