These days, it seems everyone is following a low carbohydrate diet. Adults usually lean toward this diet plan to lose weight, and sometimes even just to maintain weight. But should children adopt this low carbohydrate diet to lose weight? If they follow a low-carb plan just to eat the same food as their parents, is it safe for them?

To answer these questions,we must consider the fundamental differences between adults and children. First, children are still growing: therefore their nutritional needs are vastly different.They require more nutrient-dense foods to meet their vitamin and mineral needs. In addition, they require much higher calories per body weight.And finally, due to their metabolisms, they are much more sensitive to diet composition than adults: their bodies are much less tolerant to the stresses of a high protein/low carbohydrate diet.

By following a low carbohydrate diet, a child is at high risk of failing to obtain adequate nutrients, especially if in the process they eliminate entire food groups. For example, on a low carb diet, a child may restrict dairy products, depriving their bodies of the many valuable nutrients this food group provides. In addition, if their carbohydrates are restricted severely, they may not have appropriate energy due to low blood glucose levels, not to mention the stress on their bodies/organs caused by obtaining their energy from predominantly protein sources.

How do you help an overweight or obese child? Statistically, overweight children become overweight adults,with all the associated health risks, so this issue should be addressed immediately. For children, the goal for “weight loss” is usually for them to grow (height wise) into their weight. In many cases, however, a more significant weight “rearrangement” is needed, requiring actual weight loss.The best and safest way to accomplish this goal is to encourage and insist on daily activity and better food choices, rather than a traditional “diet” approach.

For children, rather than a “low carb diet,” you need to select healthier carbohydrate foods.Achieving an appropriate weight is all about making healthy food choices and encouraging activity.

Martial Arts Success Stories

Personal Profile
Ryan Vilogram , Age 11

Hello, my name is Ryan Villogram and I would like to tell you how the martial arts have helped me in my regular day life and in my martial arts career.

As soon as I stepped into the academy for the first time, I knew that this was for me. My instructors taught me how to start and then complete my goals, one of which was to become the very first junior black belt at my academy. So, I set out to achieve my goal and made it through hard work, dedication and with the support of my instructors.

I started as a white belt at the age of 7 and became a junior black belt 4 years later at the age of 11. I don’t intend to stop. My instructors always push me to do my very best in and out of the Martial Arts Academy.

Thanks to the martial arts, I was able to complete elementary school on honor roll and receive the school's most prestigious awards: Presidential Education Award for Excellence, The Maryland General Assembly Award for Outstanding Citizenship, two music awards, Outstanding Peer Mediator, and "Write a Book" Award of Excellence.

Ryan Villogram is a student at Lloyd Irvin’s Martial Arts Academy

Send Your Child Back
To School With The
Winning Edge!

The new school year has arrived. And once again, your child will
be exposed to bullies, peer pressure and a variety of other
negative influences. That’s why it’s so important that you give
your child the winning edge with martial arts training at our school!

Millions of parents have enrolled their children in martial arts classes
because they are so effective in developing self-confidence, leadership
skills, safety awareness, and fitness. In addition, research conducted by
the National Association of Professional Martial Artists has proven that
martial arts training raises kids’ grades. It’s the total package!

So if you like the idea of sending your child back to school with the
winning edge, then call us.
Class space is limited, so don’t wait!