After 7.5 years on a medical ketogenic diet, our son Naois (10) is finally able to stop. A relief, but also a huge transition. How do you teach a child who has eaten differently for years to adopt a “normal” diet? In this blog, I share our experience and tips for parents in the same situation.
From Medicinal Food to a Normal Diet
When Naois started the ketogenic diet at 2.5 years old, food became a medical treatment. Everything was measured to the gram. No bread, no pasta, almost no fruit. Everything depended on strict ratios.
This diet helped control his epilepsy, but it also shaped his daily lifeâand oursâfor years.
Now he is stopping. We thought this would be a liberationâand it isâbut we were not prepared for how significant the transition would be.
The Challenges of Stopping the Ketogenic Diet
Adults who follow a ketogenic diet can feel nauseous at the smell of fresh bread after just a few months. Imagine what this transition is like for a child who has never known anything else!
Naois has to get used to new flavors, different textures, and, most importantly, a completely new relationship with food. What was once a medical necessity now needs to become an enjoyable experience.
It hasnât been easy. Sometimes he resists, sometimes he is unsure. But step by step, he is discovering that food is more than just a prescribed nutritional formula.
Reactions from Others
One of the biggest challenges has not only been the transition itself but also how others respond to it.
When Naois lost a little weight, concerns immediately arose. We heard talk of protocols, of a dietitian prescribing exactly what and how much he should eat. But what we see is something different:
- He enjoys eating and is exploring new flavors.
- He has more energy than before.
- He is becoming more independent in making food choices.
What we need is trust. What he needs is time.
What He Eats Now
We often get asked: “But is he eating enough?”
The answer is yes! Naois eats a varied and balanced diet. Here are some examples:
đ„Š Main meals: Cauliflower mash with cheese schnitzel, lasagna, pasta with broccoli, soup, pizza.
đ„ Salads: Mozzarella with tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and olive oil.
đ Fruits: Mandarins, bananas, kiwi, strawberries.
đ„ Snacks: Nuts, yogurt with granola, rice cakes with cheese, pancakes, olives.
He eats well, gets the nutrients he needs, and is learning to diversify his diet.
Our Advice for Other Parents
Transitioning from a ketogenic diet to normal eating is not always easy, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth process. Here are our key takeaways:
1. Give It Time
Your child has been on a specific diet for years. He/she wonât adopt new habits overnight. Be patient.
2. Involve Your Child
Let him/her take part in meal preparation. Allow thim/her to choose and experiment. This gives him/her a sense of control and makes the process more enjoyable.
3. Stay Positive
Focus on progress rather than concerns about weight or portion sizes.
4. Resist Outside Pressure
Healthcare professionals follow standard protocols, but you see your child every day. Trust what you observe.
5. Celebrate Small Victories
Every new food that is accepted is a success. Praise your child’s progress and make meals a positive experience.
A Call for Understanding
We have noticed that the outside world often doesnât realize how significant this transition is. Stopping a strict diet is not just about ending the rulesâitâs about completely re-learning how to think about food.
Thatâs why we ask for support, patience, and trust in parents guiding their children through this process.
Naois is not like other children, and we are not like other parents. But together, we are learning and moving forward.
For everyone going through this same transition: you are not alone.
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