Winning the Family Weight Loss Game


Is weight weighing heavy on your mind? If you or someone in your family needs to lose weight, you have lots of company: Nearly two- thirds of American adults and a third of American children need to lighten up.

Since the family is one of the most powerful influences on a child's weight and health, a new book from Betty Crocker rallies family members to team up in tackling their weight concerns. Win at Weight Loss: A Healthy Guide for the Whole Family maps out a game plan of simple steps that parents can take for improving their own healthy habits while allowing their kids to become more active and "grow into" a healthier weight. Parents are the role models and coaches of the family team.
The family that plays together enjoys good health and has fun together. In becoming more active and enjoying a wide variety of delicious meals, any family can be winners and gain healthy habits for a lifetime. This new book from Betty Crocker provides realistic steps for any family to take toward better health. Eating well is an important part of the plan: Always begin with breakfast and leave room for a healthy dessert!

This cookbook can be purchased wherever books are sold.

From the Doctor's Kitchen

James Hill, a nationally known weight loss authority, is a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado and an adviser on obesity to the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Hill is co-founder in charge of the National Weight Control Registry and developed the "America on the Move" program. He is the co-author of The Step Diet Book.



Positive self-talk is a powerful motivating tool. Rather than putting yourself down, think and talk positively about yourself to your kids. It can go a long way toward building your child's self-esteem (as well as your own!).
Practice eating only until you are satisfied, not full. Over time this will easily become a habit.
Focusing on what and how much you eat is important, but it's only part of the equation. The other big piece is how much you move. Become more active yourself, and encourage your kids to make moving a habit. You may all come up with a new discovery that it's fun!
Talk to your kids about the wholesome ingredients you use in baking and cooking. Involve them as much as possible in making dinner or breakfast on the weekend - chances are they'll be eager to help (and to eat what they've prepared!).
There may be many benefits in being active, but one of the most important is that activity strengthens your heart, allowing it to pump more oxygen to your muscles.
Encourage your kids to share their creativity by helping you in the kitchen. Kids feel proud when they are learning a life skill, understanding the benefits of good nutrition and its relationship to good health.