Is a Healthy Diet Possible with Autism?

I had to take the kids to their yearly neurological appointment a few days ago.  As usual, their weight was a concern to the doctor.  It’s a concern for me every day.  For those of you living with picky or compulsive eaters, you know the daily struggle I face.

Both of the kids are on medication that will stimulate their appetite.  While they tolerated this well when they were teens, it seemed that as soon as they graduated, the weight started piling on and now I feel guilty because they have gained so much.

I’m worried about diabetes and their heart health.  I have taken strong measures to make sure food is limited for them, but it’s so hard.  I know Casey is full a long time before she stops eating.  She will stop and take a deep breath and then continue eating.  She will eat until the food is gone.  I don’t know how she doesn’t get sick.

I fix a plate for her with small portions and when she wants seconds, I make that plate, too, with small portions.  Once I put food in the refrigerator, she considers it a leftover and refuses it eat it, so I just put everything away quickly.

Rob knows when he is full and he will stop eating – usually.  If he thinks he can get away with it, he’ll sneak more of his favorites.  He is 5’10” so sneaking is not something he is really good at!  Most of the time, I can tell him he’s finished and he’ll put his plate in the sink and go find something to do.

At this appointment, Rob had lost a few pounds, but Casey gained some.  I am trying to figure out how that is possible.  She won’t eat chips or snacks like that.  Cookies and sweets are limited – if we have them at all.   I don’t let them drink Coke or other soft drinks.  Casey walks miles almost every day at the workshop and we walk as a family several times a week.

I’m sure most of you understand what I’m talking about.  I pack Rob a lunch every day.  He is so picky about what can be in it, that the contents rarely change.  He takes several fresh fruits (but so many fruits are high in sugar!), rice cakes, carrots and a small pack of fruit snacks.  If we have leftovers that he likes (Only meat or potatoes) I pack those, just to be sure he has something to eat during the day.

Sometimes, I’ll pack noodle soup or cereal.  I am constantly trying to think of things he will eat that I can pack easily.  Casey takes a lunch occasionally, but her lunch is easier to pack.  She loves ravioli and other convenience pasta.  I hate packing that, though, because I know how many calories are in those foods.

Unfortunately, as picky as Rob is, the foods he loves are all high in calories.   French fries, chicken nuggets, pizza rolls – all things he would happily eat every single day.   Of course, just because he wants that stuff, doesn’t mean he gets it, but still, it’s hard not to buy when I know he will eat.   I’m curious about what other parents do?  Do you give your child the “junk” food to make sure they eat?

I’m so lucky that Rob is willing to try new foods now, but that doesn’t mean meals aren’t still a struggle at times.  I try to plan so that at least part of the meal is something he likes, but when spaghetti is for supper, I have to think of something else for him.  I refuse to make two meals, so sometimes, he has waffles for supper.  And I feel guilty knowing that isn’t especially healthy for him.

Casey loves vegetables and would happily eat nothing but those for meals.   Rob loves peas and green beans and will eat corn, if it’s just a small helping.  Potatoes are a huge hit, but they have so many carbs in them.  He will eat many types of fresh fruit, so I have always those on hand.  (But – why is the healthy food so much more expensive than the chips and cookies??)

So, my kids have a meaner mom now.  I’m going to get even more strict about what they eat.  We rarely eat fast food, so that’s not a big problem.  Casey is taking a water exercise class twice a week and Rob is doing aquatic therapy.  We’ll try to walk more, but I have no idea what to do when winter hits.  I doubt either will walk on a treadmill.

It’s easier with Rob.  If Casey wants something, she smiles her sweet smile and says “please” and people give in to her when I’m not around to tell her no.  Rob doesn’t do that.  She will sneak food.  He will look to see what he wants, put it away and then ask for it.  If I say he has to wait a while, he’s ok with that.  She is not pleased when she is told to wait.

Eating healthy is hard enough when the family is typical and people are always in a rush.  At least, we aren’t rushed every day, but the kids both eat fast and I know that causes weight gain.  I also learned that not sleeping well can cause weight gain.  Since Rob is sleeping better, maybe that will help him lose a little, too.

I thought about using a fitness app to keep track of their calorie intake, but that seems nearly impossible when they can’t tell me what they ate during the day.  So, I’m determined to prove that eating healthy can happen with people with autism.  They won’t be happy, but the limits are being set.

Protein won’t be an issue for either one, nor will eating fruits and vegetables.  Grains will be tough, as they only eat buns with sandwiches.  Cutting out the convenience foods will be the hardest.  I’d love to hear how you did it with your child with autism.

Their doctor said that being more active is what they need.  (really – you think?)  They both love to walk, but we need stuff for rainy days.  Any ideas?  and it has to be fun or something I can do one on one.  Neither is coordinated enough for jump rope or anything like that.  I have a small trampoline they might try.

So – do you worry about healthy eating with your child or are you just too tired to worry about it?  (And believe me, I get that!)   What do you do to stay active?  I know for many of our kids, being overly active is a problem.  Do you try to do something with your child to burn off that energy or just let them run as needed?

Thank you!  Healthy eating!