ParentStuff-well I think we finally have to do it....

maybe they make a regular and sugar free version??

 No, not the Sam's Choice Clear American. I'm pretty sure of this because I'm always on the alert for flavored beverages that don't have high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or artificial sugar. Pretty much I'm limited to unsweetened seltzer (which I like but the kids think is nasty ), juices, and sugar-sweetened beverages like Jones sodas.

Walmarts around here offer nothing but plain water that I can drink. That's all right. We all like plain water.

It absolutely is the same.  Now I'm wondering if this is an old label or just what the deal is??  Ticks me off.

huskymom

My nephew was like that all the time he was growing up.  As soon as my sister started to notice a gut on him, she knew it was time to start saving for a new wardrobe.  He'd literally shoot up 5 or 6 inches in a few months time.  

That's my brother!!

He's 11 years old. Everytime we notice him getting a gut he shoots right up and gets tall and skinny. He's up to my eyes in height (I'm 5ft 4in) and maybe 90lbs. He's looks thin, not skinny/scrawny. Right now my Mom is having a tough time w/ him eating because now that it's summer he wants to go out as soon as he gets up (w/out breakfast), and doesn't want to come in for lunch. He eats dinner, but right after he wants to go out- again! My neighborhood is filled w/ kids ages 10-13 that all play out front together.

Gina - TBH is sounds like a lot of sugar and processed stuff (remember, just because something isn't sweet doesn't mean it doesn't contaiin a lot of sugar). 

We have to be really careful what we eat and thus feed Riley since obiesty runs in both our families.  Does she get a happy meal every once in a while, sure, but never more than once or twice a month.  Just because its chicken from fast food, doesn't mean its better for you.  Sometimes it is worse than a burger.

Your best bet is to feed them as much as possible from whole foods.  I don't mean organic, raw veggies.  Just stuff that is only one or two steps removed from its source...basically less processed stuff.

Offer him a smaller portion of the processed stuff and larger portion of the veggies at dinner.  If he's hungry he will eat it.  Don't make extras and leave them on the table.

 Becca, put some juice concentrate into the seltzer water. Much tastier! It's juice soda.

I'm a soda addict, and the juice "soda" doesn't seem to have the same ill (fitting clothing) affects that drinking HFCS sodas does.

 I don't like soda in any form - major water drinker here and occasional gatorade and of couse the LS V8.  For something a bit different I drink flavored seltzers - no sweeteners at all but they have lemon or lime or various other 'essences' in them - no calories but a nice subtle flavor.  A dash of grape juice or cranapple or whatever is good too.  Just a thought

And there are flavored but not sweetened non-fizzy waters too but they are usually pricey.  i get 24 packs of seltzer at Costco

Ooh, the V8 juice combos are good.  But, if we're looking for extra calories, juices really do add up fast.

I liked the nut suggestion (provided he's not alergic), and whole grain cereals are really filling.  Cheerios or frosted shredded wheat really fill me up - frosted mini shredded wheat has a surprisingly low calorie count considering the frosting, but 24 squares fills your bowl and is really tasty - the blueberry and strawberry ones especially.  Smell soo good!  They're marketing them toward kids feeling full and being able to concentrate more, too, these days.

 I LURV putting grapefruit juice in my seltzer - but then I found out it was playing games with one of my meds *weeping bitter tears*

I've use flavored stevia (a natural non-sugar sweetener) sometimes to shake things up. The kids like it too but it's a bit spendy. It's really good for you though. I use root beer flavor! *slurp*

Updating,

I think this is good news!

We didn't change really anything about his diet aside from offering more fruit which he gladly accepted.

We DID however start going out almost every evening it wasn't raining...and playing basketball or scootering or walking with him.

He was when I last posted 67.4lbs today just now he is 66.6lbs. I think that is GREAT. His gut is noticeably smaller too...which pleases me. He's still 51" tall so that hasn't changed.

Like I said I just wanted to maintain and not continue to gain due to eating/inactivity. I know he's going to gain as he gains height. But the small loss is a good bonus I think.