https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 15 May 2026 05:01:13 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822674 Tue, 15 May 2018 14:25:35 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2822674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Autumnmama79: I always find those arguments interesting, but I have to wonder how realistic it is to compare modern factory farming and the dairy industry to anything in the past? Plus our lifestyles are so different these days. Of course we don’t need to eat the crazy amounts of sugar in everything to sustain anything about our lifestyles either, so who knows. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822641 Tue, 15 May 2018 13:11:12 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2822641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would not restrict any food groups from my children or have them follow the latest diet trend. Carbs are important for developing brains. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822639 Tue, 15 May 2018 12:58:14 +0000 Autumnmama79 2822639@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Hypatia: following bc DH wants to hop on this train. Have you watched The Magic Pill on Netflix?</p> <p>And for others who are interested, the documentary would suggest that Keto is not a diet or a lifestyle so much as it is reverting back to the way people ate for tens of thousands of years. Fascinating watch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822620 Tue, 15 May 2018 12:23:16 +0000 gingerbebe 2822620@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Y'all, I'm bowing out of this thread cuz its starting to threadjack and derail. I'm going to respectfully disagree with the other 2 ladies and I hope what I said was helpful to the OP in what we do in our family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822619 Tue, 15 May 2018 12:19:58 +0000 Adira 2822619@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: YOU are the one that said "Keto is effective for weight loss but not a particularly healthy way to eat for <b>adults</b>" AND "This is one of my biggest gripes about keto, it's not sustainable, and the weight comes right back as soon as you start eating carbs again."</p> <p>YOU are the one that made blanket anti-keto statements that weren't specific to children. I'm sure @gingerbebe: took offense to them, just as I did. Keto is healthy and perfectly fine for some people. Just because YOU don't like it or it doesn't work for YOU doesn't mean it's unhealthy or unsustainable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822616 Tue, 15 May 2018 12:17:27 +0000 Truth Bombs 2822616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: Your response to @pwnstar: doesn't make sense. The OP specifically said she is interested in Keto for weight loss, and is considering putting her children on the plan as well so that SHE isn't tempted by their carbs. Your comments regarding epilepsy and autism are not at all applicable to the conversation at hand. You state you aren't interested in making a point on the the subject of keto for healthy kids, but keto for healthy kids is literally the subject matter of this thread, which is the context in which I made my comments. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822615 Tue, 15 May 2018 12:17:07 +0000 pwnstar 2822615@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: Again, that information is responsive to the original post. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822614 Tue, 15 May 2018 12:16:36 +0000 Adira 2822614@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pwnstar: Agree with @gingerbebe: . @Truth Bombs:'s statement was particularly anti-keto for everyone and a generalization that's just not true. I spoke to my doctor when I went on keto and did blood work before and after to ensure that it wasn't negatively affecting my health. My doctor was 100% on board my keto diet!</p> <p>And those of us on keto are not advocating it for kids. In fact, I think almost all of us have said we still feed our kids healthy carbs and carb-heavy fruit because most kids need carbs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822610 Tue, 15 May 2018 12:09:58 +0000 gingerbebe 2822610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pwnstar: There was nothing in my response where I advocated for putting otherwise healthy children on a ketogenic diet and as you can clearly see, my children are NOT keto. I have instead stated that they are thriving on a more nutrient dense diet that relies increasingly less on refined carbs and sugars.</p> <p>The reason I responded to TruthBombs directly was because of her generalized statements regarding keto. Specifically, "keto is effective for weight loss but not a particularly healthy way to eat for adults, and definitely not for kids" and "this is one of my biggest gripes about keto, it's not sustainable." I don't think anyone can just blanket say something isn't healthy or isn't sustainable about anything without being in those people's shoes. </p> <p>I don't need to bring up medical resources that are neutral on the subject of keto for healthy kids because I have no interest in trying to prove that point. I brought up the fact that keto was beneficial for children with epilepsy and autism because she specifically said "kids need carbs" and that keto is "definitely not healthy for kids" and again, that just isn't true. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822608 Tue, 15 May 2018 12:06:39 +0000 Mama Bird 2822608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't really think healthy kids should be on a diet - any diet. It's probably doable to cook the foods that work for the adults, and also have something in the house just for them. Kind of like with being a vegetarian - I know quite a few people who are vegetarian but cook meat for the family members who aren't, and am planning to do the same thing myself in a couple of years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822602 Tue, 15 May 2018 11:58:10 +0000 pwnstar 2822602@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>To answer the original question, no, I would not put my kids on a keto diet. I would also be careful not to model restrictive behaviors--even ones that could yield positive results (for your prupose, i.e., weight loss)--to my littles. </p> <p>@gingerbebe: There have been several posters who have shared opinions similar to @Truth Bombs:. No need to single her out. The OP asked what "you" would do--her response answered that question.</p> <p>There are plenty of resources that conclude keto is not indicated for healthy children (here is one: <a href="https://www.eatright.org/health/weight-loss/fad-diets/is-a-low-carb-diet-safe-for-kids)" rel="nofollow">https://www.eatright.org/health/weight-loss/fad-diets/is-a-low-carb-diet-safe-for-kids)</a>, and for those young populations that do follow a keto diet for medical purposes, resources indicate that they are closely monitored by a medical team. (here: <a href="https://childrensnational.org/choose-childrens/conditions-and-treatments/brain--nervous-system/ketogenic-diet)" rel="nofollow">https://childrensnational.org/choose-childrens/conditions-and-treatments/brain--nervous-system/ketogenic-diet)</a>. I'm sure you could also find a couple medical resources that are neutral on the subject (as to healthy kids)--the point being that the information is for the OP to consider/evaluate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822591 Tue, 15 May 2018 11:32:11 +0000 newlypregnantlady 2822591@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Personally I’d give up general snacking foods (bread, goldfish, crackers) but keep un-keto friendly fruits and veg around for the kids. But I think a lot depends on your kids. Mine both hate low-carb veggies and I depend on fruits to keep their bowels regular. And we eat a really vegetarian-heavy diet with almost no snack foods (mostly Bc I’m too cheap/broke to buy snack foods). </p> <p>Overall I’d see how they adapt and talk to either a registered dietician or their pediatrician about it if you’re worried. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822589 Tue, 15 May 2018 11:31:24 +0000 tlynne 2822589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids love fresh fruit, berries, potatoes, and rice. There are a lot of nutrients in these foods that are beneficial, so I wouldn't want to cut them out of my kids' diet. That said, except for DS1's weekly baking projects, we don't generally eat a lot of added sugar/ processed carbs (and we have a gluten free household). Btw - That fruit tray in your picture looked delicious :). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822588 Tue, 15 May 2018 11:30:27 +0000 periwinklebee 2822588@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If your kids will eat it, I would do something like a green smoothie for them for breakfast - easy and full of nutrient dense carbs. And then things that are easy to make in batch like sweet potato, rice, etc as sides for lunch/dinner. And if you do slip up, it may mean slower weight loss but at least it's nutrient/fiber dense and not junk. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822585 Tue, 15 May 2018 11:19:50 +0000 Sams Mom 2822585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't do keto but a couple we're friends with do keto and have a 4 &amp; 7 year old. They cook the meat and the veggies for everyone and then make a carb for the kids whether it be potatoes or rice or pasta. They also still provide the carby fruits they can't eat for the kids. The only thing it really changed for the kids is that their snacks tend be less sugary because she makes easy to grab keto snacks for her and her husband and the kids like them too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822581 Tue, 15 May 2018 11:14:00 +0000 BadgerMom 2822581@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think there's a big difference between eliminating all carbs and eliminating carbs that you find in the middle aisles of the grocery store. I really see no "need" for any carbs from those aisles, even for kids. But for kids, I do think it's important not cut carbs from around the perimeter (fruit, veggies, dairy). I hope that makes sense. Basically I completely agree with @gingerbebe: :happy: </p> <p>I've done Keto and I know it can be tough to stay away from all the carbs, especially in the beginning. What helped me was to buy things that I knew DS loved but I didn't really care for, that way I wasn't really tempted lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822577 Tue, 15 May 2018 11:04:31 +0000 gingerbebe 2822577@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: Please don't make blanket statements and pass judgement on other people's dietary choices. I know you follow an IIFYM type diet, and that's fine, but please consider the fact that everyone has different health and dietary considerations - many of which are medically proven to be benefited by a ketogenic diet. In fact, the ketogenic diet was originally developed for children with epilepsy and autism, which led to it being implemented in other settings to see if it would improve health outcomes for other conditions. If you don't find keto appealing or sustainable for your lifestyle, that's fine, but there's no need to complain about someone else's way of eating. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822572 Tue, 15 May 2018 10:55:36 +0000 gingerbebe 2822572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Hypatia: Sure its tempting when the kids have really delicious roasted sweet potatoes or beautiful fresh fruit, but I will say that for me, I FEEL so much better on keto that the temptation isn't there for me that much anymore. The first month after I got fat adapted, I got accidentally "sugared" at a restaurant and I felt like death for 3 days afterwards dealing with the keto flu. Once I realized how awful that felt, I just didn't want to have to deal with it again. I got through the holidays and celebrations without "cheating" because I just personally didn't want to have to deal with the fallout afterwards. I HAVE had fruit since going keto since things like blackberries are pretty low in carbs and I can get them to fit and our boys like berries anyway, so we have them around all the time. </p> <p>Our kids definitely have sugary things. We do regular cake for birthdays, some candy at Easter, they get a cookie on Sundays after church service, and I know they get things like raisins and granola bars at school. I don't have a problem with it, they don't have weight problems, I want them to have some "normal" kid experiences, but we're just choosing not to buy those things anymore for the house. We've still got frozen waffles and pretzels and stuff we're eating down, but just CUTTING what they were eating before has been really wonderful. In the past 6-8 weeks since adopting a more nutrient dense diet that leads with protein and fat, our kids have been acting so much better in terms of behavior. Our youngest who never ate anything but carbs is eating semi balanced now, apparently loves ribeye steak, and willingly eats carrots. Both kids have grown a foot WHILE putting on weight (our boys are long and lean) and ask for eggs and sausage if they only see pancakes on the plate. I do not limit their fruit consumption, if they want seconds of rice, pasta, or whatever, they can have it, but I think your instinct to reduce added sugar in their diet is a good one. Our kids stopped asking for fruit snacks (sure they'd love it if they saw it), but now they're whining for an apples, asking if we can go to Costco to buy more strawberries, and enthusiastically eating peas out of a pod. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822569 Tue, 15 May 2018 10:45:47 +0000 Mrs. Microscope 2822569@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I eat keto, and also make carbs for my kids and husband. Just rice or pasta, and I tend to make one big batch for the week and they have leftovers. It's easy to microwave the pasta or rice as they need it, and it makes cooking easier. I find I don't crave the carbs after a few weeks into ketosis. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822564 Tue, 15 May 2018 10:42:02 +0000 Mrsbells 2822564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think kids should be on a low carb/no carb diet. Its one thing to cut out processed carbs like white bread, white sugar, white rice and replace them with whole wheat options for them. But children and even adults need carbs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822516 Tue, 15 May 2018 08:14:41 +0000 Truth Bombs 2822516@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. Your kids need carbs. Keto is effective for weight loss but not a particularly healthy way to eat for adults, and definitely not for kids.</p> <p>2. If you and your husband don't learn to resist temptation, you won't have long term success with your goals anyhow. This is one of my biggest gripes about keto, it's not sustainable, and the weight comes right back as soon as you start eating carbs again. I think if you want to reach but also maintain a healthy weight, learning how to make good choices in spite of temptation is an important part of the process. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822512 Tue, 15 May 2018 08:07:55 +0000 MrsBucky 2822512@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know a ton about keto diets, but I have no problem with adults choosing to use them. That said, the little I have read indicates that going in and out of ketosis is harmful for bodies, so I'd be very wary of putting a child anywhere near a diet like it, just in case. Plus, as others mentioned above, the best science we have right now indicates that growing brains and bodies probably need a lot more carbohydrates than adults. I'd make sure they are still getting plenty of carbs, but certainly whole food carbs should be fine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822504 Tue, 15 May 2018 07:54:58 +0000 JennyPenny 2822504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A nutritionist told me once that carbs are especially important for kids brain development when they're young, but that doesn't mean they necessarily have to be sugary carbs. They could have rice, beans, potatoes, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822488 Tue, 15 May 2018 06:55:43 +0000 gotkimchi 2822488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids need way more carbs then me because they’re growing! So we offer them carbs in addition to our keto meals </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822478 Tue, 15 May 2018 05:32:07 +0000 Adira 2822478@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I thought carbs were important for kids?</p> <p>I eat keto, but my husband and kids don't. So I usually cook a meat and veggie for the whole family and then a carb for my husband and kids. Plus my kids will eat carby fruits, like bananas and apples. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822461 Mon, 14 May 2018 22:50:23 +0000 gingerbebe 2822461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I eat keto and basically we have shifted my kids to just more nutrient dense foods that include some carbs. They are 3.5 and 2. We are eating down our pantry and freezer so they’re eating all those carbs until they are gone but we are not replacing them. DH isn’t doing keto but he’s eating lower carb, again while we eat down our pantry. There’s a lot of rice and quinoa that need to be eaten down!</p> <p>The way we handle meals is that I make a meat and then the fam gets a plain boring carb like cooked rice, and then the kids get a giant chip and dip tray full of fresh fruit and veg, cheese, pork rinds, etc and they get to choose their sides. I don’t have to technically cook anything separate other than the rice or whatever. I guess once we eat off all our carbs the kids will be more paleo-ish?</p> <p>This is tonight’s dinner of keto meatloaf for the fam plus the variations. </p> [attach=1472/18/p8r3zz.450x600.C7E9D199-AAD0-4BCF-A707-D66D6494EB42.jpeg] [attach=1472/18/p8r401.600x600.2B565E48-1A5A-4771-8CED-EE854F0A02D7.jpeg] [attach=1472/18/p8r402.600x600.D6014E05-4C8F-4A6D-B716-A5DCF264F907.jpeg] [attach=1472/18/p8r403.600x600.EFEE0345-1492-42DB-95B1-1B407971BE36.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/keto-and-kids#post-2822460 Mon, 14 May 2018 22:22:01 +0000 Hypatia 2822460@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DH and I strarting on keto this week. We're excited about challenging ourselves to meet our goal weights, but the big unknown is whether we should cook separate meals for our four year old and one year old. </p> <p>If we have them eat keto (with the exception of some fruit pouches.and stuff), it would really help us resist the urge to share their carby foods. But is it a bad idea to not give them "balanced" meals? Am I crazy in thinking that they'd benefit from a lower sugar diet? I feel like most people would be appalled that we "made" them diet with us when they aren't overweight, and the jury is out on what effects keto might have on young kids. </p> <p>What would you do? </p>