Ending the Food Fight: Guide Your Child to a Healthy Weight in a Fast Food/Fake Food World

by David Ludwig, Suzanne Rostler (Contribution by)

In a world dominated by fast food and fake food, establishing healthy eating habits in children is one of the greatest concerns for parents -- and potentially one of the greatest challenges. Fortunately, the renowned physician Dr. David Ludwig developed a proven lifestyle plan that has benefited thousands of families. Here he shares his nine-week program, offering the tools -- including tasty recipes, motivational tips, and activities -- that can help families prevent the kitchen table from becoming a battleground.

Genres: Nonfiction, Food, Parenting

343 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2007

About the author

David S. Ludwig, MD, PhD, is a practicing endocrinologist, researcher, and professor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Ludwig also directs the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. His research focuses on how food affects hormones, metabolism, body weight, and well-being.

Reviews

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for what it is, a book written to help families who are struggling to help overweight children.

I have four kids, none of which are overweight. But I imagine this may help a number of parents whose kids have issues with food and weight.

The first half of the book talks about the delicate nature of dealing with childhood obesity. It also discusses the differences and similarities between obesity in adults and children.

The second half of the book is really a how to, with a detailed plan that involves actual recipes.

Dr. Ludwig is an expert on childhood obesity and the founder of the OWL program (Optimal Weight for Life), which is part of Boston Children's Hospital.

[Lynn Cornwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I certainly think this guy is smart and a great book. However, I just cannot make this work for me. I'm doing Weight Watchers on my phone and it is so much easier to execute in real life than thinking I can spend a whole day cooking and putting all the food in glass bowls for the week. I get the "real food" and "low glycemic" way of eating is probably the best for us. I just don't think it is easy to do if you work a lot of hours.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a book that will provide data and motivate change? This is your book. After struggling to understand the ramifications of society & diet on health, this book guided me to a better understanding of both and gave me hope for change. The only thing missing - tools to guide a picky eater. But, tools to help children become and stay healthy were robust.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth a read with a few good ideas.

[Janean Seegmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book to remind parents about the common sense of healthy eating for the whole family. Childhood obesity is a family problem not the child's problem alone. This book is a great resource for parents who need help in guiding their child's education of food. Help them make healthy choices without it being a burden or the focus of their lives.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemed a little outdated to me by the time I read it. Also, it seemed to deal with families that already had a weight problem. I would have taken more from it if it had also been geared towards families interested in preventing weight problems, not fixing current ones. I think I'll try to find something a little more relevant.

[Christine Garner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good info for those who need to take back control over their kids unhealthful diets...It but I was hoping for some guidance on maintaining a healthy attitude towards food for kids who don't eat junk, but who have big appetites. Not the book for you if that's what you are looking for as well.

[Calli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good real life ideas for parents with overweight children, or trying to just have a healthier plan for their kids. Glycemic Index an integral part of this life style. Vegetarian options also.

[Ray (user2637) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting info about following a low glycemic index diet, thought mostly geared toward parents (and not vegan), I'm finding it useful.

[Cathy Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motivating book on helping children eat right. Filled with research.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, but would have preferred that it also deal with kids who are not obese. Even though it didn't have exactly the focus I was looking for I got a lot out of it.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome book about food and how to help kids/teens eat better. I read it because I work with teenagers who eat like crap. This gave me some great ideas to work with them and not against them.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting. lots of real case scenarios.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of helpful information.