ZERO FAT fad diet! it's crazy (but my l2 year old is on it!)?!
Question: I am so scared by this diet my l2 year old is on! she's on a totally fat free diet and has been for 7 or 8 months. She is so obsessed she won't even touch anything if she thinks I've 'greased' the pan.. (I was making her fat-free bread..now she eats ff pitas.) She eats yogurts, 'peas' (are they protein like beans?) tons of fruits. I heard that a ff diet is so bad the body eventually 'eats itself'.. (ketosis) I can't get her off it. I did take her to the doctor for a complete physical a month ago and surprisingly she checked out 'okay' but she is also a Gothic (at l2?!) and 'cuts her arms' so the doctor sent her to a psychiatrist. I still think (I am vegetarian) this diet's a factor in this weird behavior.. cutting, Gothic thing. I've got zero help from her father (he lives here but ignores it.. he just 'pays the bills' and comes and goes like it's a 'hotel' here.) Is there any input from anybody on the fatfree diet thing? I want to blame that more (and scare her w/details why it's bad!
Answers: I am so scared by this diet my l2 year old is on! she's on a totally fat free diet and has been for 7 or 8 months. She is so obsessed she won't even touch anything if she thinks I've 'greased' the pan.. (I was making her fat-free bread..now she eats ff pitas.) She eats yogurts, 'peas' (are they protein like beans?) tons of fruits. I heard that a ff diet is so bad the body eventually 'eats itself'.. (ketosis) I can't get her off it. I did take her to the doctor for a complete physical a month ago and surprisingly she checked out 'okay' but she is also a Gothic (at l2?!) and 'cuts her arms' so the doctor sent her to a psychiatrist. I still think (I am vegetarian) this diet's a factor in this weird behavior.. cutting, Gothic thing. I've got zero help from her father (he lives here but ignores it.. he just 'pays the bills' and comes and goes like it's a 'hotel' here.) Is there any input from anybody on the fatfree diet thing? I want to blame that more (and scare her w/details why it's bad!
Actually, her diet sounds pretty healthy. I know lots of parents who would be thankful if their kid ate lots of fruit, peas, and pita.
And you already said the pediatrician said she's fine, physically.
Some people would think vegetarianism is a crazy fad diet too!
The more serious issue is the cutting. If the psychiatrist is useless, try another one, or a psychologist or mental health professional who has experience working with teenagers. You could ask the school for a referral if you aren't sure. They may know an MH professional who is successful with girls who are cutting. Also, do you know her friends? They could have a big influence both on the diet, the whole Goth thing and the cutting. You might want to learn more about her friends and classmates too.
Eating no fats is bad - your body does need fat. There is such a thing as healthy fats (like those found in olive oils and avocados)... maybe you could educate her about that. By the way - she is 12 and a child, but it sounds like she is the parent! Don't you buy the groceries!? Put your foot down if she doesn't make some changes.
Yougurt has some protein, but peas do not count as legumes.
Low fat is Ok, Fat free entirely is not, your body needs some fat, but healthy fat-avocados, olive oil are the best sources. Unfortunately I don't have any specific details for you.
Did you tell your doctor about the diet she's been on? They could help you out.
im 14. so i might be able to relate. well her whole gothic thing is just a stage. my friend used to do it then we got him to stop and hes never done it again. as for the diet. you have to sit down with her along with your husband and let her know whats going on. if that doesnt work gather some of her friends to help you along, good luck. =]
This seems like a Dr. Laura question. haha.
It's like you are a very good mother. However, it does seem like she is not getting enough attention. I'm no psychiatrist, but this "goth" phase of hers is a way for her to hide from the realities of the world. It seems as if she is alienating herself from her peers. I think you should step up and have a mother/daughter talk w/ her and tell her that you are concerned with her health b/c you really love her. I know you have showed her that you love her by taking her to the doctors, etc. but i'm telling you. This talk will do wonders. She will understand your concerns. And just take baby steps. I don't think the food is the problem for her. Perhaps she needs more attention, and this is the only way she can get it. Good luck!