First of all, I just need to say, "diet" is not actually a bad word.  The first definition of the word "diet," as according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is simply food and drink regularly provided or consumed.  So basically it's just what we eat or drink in a normal day.  Nothing bad there.

The problem is, the word is widely used as a weight-loss tool.  Today I was sitting in church & the individual who was giving the message made a point of saying that her grandson was a little overweight, so their entire family went on the South Beach Diet & her grandson lost 25 lbs.  Now, I'm not knocking that.  That's a great thing.  What I am knocking, however, is that it's being emphasized to a 10-year old that he needed to go on a diet in order to lose weight.  A diet implies unrealistic restrictions on calorie or nutrient consumption.  If this child gains weight again, he's going to look for the next diet and the next short-term fix for the extra weight.

Rather than a diet, healthy eating and activity should be emphasized, especially to children!  The South Beach diet isn't a bad thing.  In fact, from what I know about it, it basically emphasizes eating lean meats, vegetables, and high-fiber, healthy carbohydrates.  The South Beach diet is basically a guideline for healthy living, but by adding the word "diet," it has become something bigger & more dangerous than simply creating a healthy lifestyle.

When people use the phrase "I'm going on a diet," they're basically indicating that they're trying a short-term solution to an immediate problem.  Whether it's Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers or Atkin's or South Beach (just to name a few), very few people intend to stay on the plan forever.  And that in itself is setting the person up for failure.  When a person chooses to change the way they eat, it should always be in a manner that they can maintain forever.  This is especially applicable when trying to teach children healthy habits for a lifetime.

I'm not saying that some "diet plans" aren't maintainable or aren't a good place to start, all I'm saying is that you should only make healthy changes that you know you can stick with for the long-term.  And, if you choose a diet plan in order to help you & your children lose weight, don't emphasize the diet plan to your child, simply emphasize the healthy eating habits & the importance of exercise.