Ways to Make Losing Weight Fun

The road to healthy weight loss is never fast enough. One of the toughest jobs, as parents working with kids who are trying to lose weight, is staying focused and motivated. Check out these fun things you can do with kids to keep the road to shedding pounds full of smiles!

1. Every night, draw a picture that depicts how you feel that day. On the first day of your diet, start with a one (1). Draw a big number one and decorate the page with thoughts and feelings. On the second day of the diet, draw a two (and so on.) Post them in the child's room, where they can see them and be encouraged.

2. Buy a kitchen scale and make weighing food your child's responsibility. Similar to cracking an egg, a child has a unique task that will help familiarize them with appropriate portions.

3. Have your child look up recipes online and create the menu.

4. Make common work-outs fun! As you walk with your child around the neighborhood, name houses or trees. Exercising your brain while you walk keeps the mind off of the task! On future walks, you can reference the named items as milestones. Statements like, "When we get to the 'Wild wonder' (or whatever name you choose) we will turn around."

5. Create a "Countdown Calendar" with flaps. Every third day, tape a flap of paper over the date. When the flap is lifted, kids can pencil in their current weight. This keeps their weight out of sight, but as they see it drop, the interaction will be something to look forward to.

6. Have a Paparazzi Party. Do a before and after photo shoot, or a two week shoot. Use your own camera and call yourself the "paparazzi!" Create an unusual background and look for Hollywood poses online (to recreate in your living room.) Dress up and make it fun. Boys can get into this too, if you recreate sport shots, like running with the football, or going for a lay-up on the basketball court.

7. Plan a weekly menu together, like you are a five-star chef! Get an 8x10 frame and post the daily special for the family on the kitchen table every morning. When you diet, meals are a big deal, give everyone something to look forward to. Have your child create a menu template on the computer with Clip-Art. Getting creative takes time...and takes your mind off of food!

8. Invest time in dinner prep by setting a great table with your child. Have them pick flowers, make place cards or place mats. Have them get on Martha Stewarts website to learn creative, inexpensive ideas: http://www.marthastewart.com/

9. Create a Bolster Box! Have your child decorate a shoebox when they are feeling positive about the diet/exercise plan (aimed to "bolster" their motivation.) Have them cut a piece of paper in strips and write statements that encourage them on each one until the box is stuffed full. Every morning, have them read two or three of their own words!

10. Letters of Encouragement are easy to write. Have your child write you a note, and themselves. Seal them to be opened on days you need encouragement!