How can I help my daughter understand that dieting can be bad for her?

I think it is important to note that not all "dieting" is bad or harmful. This truly depends on the methods utilized, the length of time the "diet" lasts and the focus of the "diet".

It may be beneficial to have a discussion with your daughter about the benefits of Eating Healthy, such as:

• improved energy
• increased vitality
• feeling proud of yourself
• doing good things for your body

Many people use the term "dieting" generically. If your daughter is following a sensible eating plan that incorporates whole grains, fruits and vegetables with plenty of variety and minimal restrictions then I would suggest that you congratulate her.

If, on the other hand, she is focused on dieting as a means for weight loss, it would be important to steer her in the direction of the benefits to changing habits for the long-term.

Depending on your daughter's age; she may understand the consequences of her actions, but battling marketing and hype that surrounds so many restrictive diets can be difficult. I believe that by being supportive and by getting involved in a healthier eating plan together you could lead by example. Here a a few more tips for a successful outcome:

• schedule family dinner time 2-3 times per week
• cook healthy, great tasting meals together
• speak about a few of the unhealthy habits you are focused on changing and why.
• have plenty of healthy foods and fruits and vegetables available for the entire family
• purchase less "junk food"
• create healthier dessert recipes together

Speaking to your daughter about the long-term effects of these beneficial habits and how they are better strategies than a restrictive diet plan will go far in aiding her in making better choices for the rest of her life.