Putting your toddler on a diet

[stepfordwife30]

I am going to be in the care of my niece for a while. She is very overweight. No health conditions but shes given candy for good behavior, and eats mostly fast food, in addition to that she eats serving sizes larger than me. I haven't really dealt with this so I need advice. Would it be bad if I reduced her serving sizes to a typical toddler sizes, or would that be starving her? She is accustomed to about 2 burgers, fries, and soda. Would it be bad if I fed her like I feed my two year old in an effort to adjust her serving sizes, even if she says shes still hungry? Or can this harm her in some way? Or should I slowly reduce the meal size, or should I just continue to feed her just as much but make it organic, and fruits and veggies like we eat? She is almost 3.

Thanks everyone! I'm Gonna try the fruit, water and exercise with a normal  2 year old servings.

[jjchick75]

I would slowly decresase the size of her portions. Biggest thing is going to be changing what she eats. Fruits, veggies, leans meats, and water to drink is best. 

[Seagodess]

I would do it slowly. Its going to be hard changing what she eats. She will probably throw fits and possibly not even eat some of here meals. I think its great that you want to help her.

[mommyof11050307]

Talk to her dr before you start her on anything.

[hollinicole]

Slow is better. Add fruits and veggies and water to her meal. Maybe you can call and talk with her ped or even your for extra advice

[beadingmom17]

I think mostly the change in what she's eating will help. If you keep fruits and veggies available to snack on, along with water, she will probably never even miss the junk or smaller portion sizes at meals.

And omg...2 burgers, fries, and a pop?! Even I can't eat that much...I'm very overweight, myself!

[nelliesmommy]

I would decrease it slowely.

[alf2651]

I would decrease it slowly, as well as talk to her doctor about this.

[silverdawn99]

give her typical toddler portions and healthy snacks in between

let her fill up on carrots broccoli and stuff like that

[honey27]

i have a niece the same way but older and she eats like a grown man. i would give her healthier foods so if she wants to over eat she can get full off of fruits and veggies.

[frndlyfn]

I agree with the others.  Not a diet per se but just a healthier lifestyle in general.  Lots of water to drink should help the hunger urge.   Fresh veggies for snacks.  Whole grains for breads/pastas, etc.  Also make sure they get plenty of outdoor activity time to help burn energy and calories. 

You did not say how old niece was so if she is older than a toddler, you need to offer the appropriate portions for her age.