I couldn't remember how heavy my girls were at that age, so I went back and checked my notes. Both my girls were around 50 lbs (one was 50 (at 48 inches) and one was 51 lbs (and 50 inches)). Not sure how tall your daughter is but that makes a difference too. For what it's worth, both my girls are about "average". They are not overweight, nor underweight. I commend you for being aware of this issue now. It is quite sad what our society is getting to now with more overweight people than healthy weight people. And the overweight isn't the issue, its the lack of health that generally goes along with that, and I'm sure none of us what that or seek that out for ourselves or our kids.
For us personally, we had fallen into a rut, eating a lot of conveniences foods (throw a lasagna or Sheppard pie in the oven, pasta with jarred sauce, etc) and we thought, hey, we are eating healthy, we aren't like our neighbors eating mcdonalds or wendy's several times a week. But due to some health concerns lately with my husband, as a family, we've had to make some changes (unrelated to his weight, he has chronic lyme disease). He is no longer allowed anything processed or with msg, nothing from a package basically, anything with sugar (including most fruits), and very little carbs. It is amazing when we look at our diet now compared to a few months ago, again, when we thought we were "eating healthy". However, we are all feeling better, have more energy etc. even if we were all healthy weights before.
One thing I do see a lot of people commenting on is that their child eats a lot of fruit. Fruit actually can be an issue when eaten too much. It is very high in sugar, and a lot of fruit have quite high calorie counts too (especially given the typical serving sizes). While fruit is important (and fresh fruit is soooo much better than juice, which we don't buy), veggies are a great alternative as they have just as many nutrients with almost no calories. Cucumber slices, raw carrots, snap peas, cherry tomatoes, celery, etc, are all great snacks.
Regardless, it's not a bad time for you to evaluate your diets as a family. Try to cut out as much processed foods as you can (cook real potatoes, not boxed mashed, make your own sauce, not from a jar, etc). Try not to buy treats, snack foods, etc as they will get eaten! And try to cut down on sugar (including fruit). Watch drinkable calories. My kids drink only water, except a glass of milk with dinner. For a treat they squeeze a third of a lemon into their water. It can be hard to make changes. We're all busy. Trust me, I know, both my daughter do competitive sports, and evenings can be rushed, but with proper planning, it can be done. Try to do as much meal prep ahead of time etc.
Staying active is really important. Find out what she likes to do and use that as a starting point. Be active yourself. You are your best role model for your children. Both me and my husband play sports, and the kids are used to being dragged to watch our games. She will thank you one day.
Most importantly, while it may be just a small issue now, it is so important to nip it in the bud now, before it gets out of hand. Kids are developing health issues like high cholesterol and blood pressure, blood sugar issues, etc in their teens and twenties!
So I wouldn't focus on "diets", but just lifestyle changes, and do them as a family. Even if your other children and yourself are health weights, it can only make you healthier! Only make enough for the portion size of meat and healthy grains you want everyone to have, but make tons of veggies. If she's still hungry, she can have more veggies. If there is leftovers, great, save them for a snack for later, or for her lunch the next day.
Best of luck, and what a good mom you are! So many would just look the other way.
No fun when you don't like the collard greens let alone the lard in them. But it was real food, compared to say, today's Lean Cuisine in a frozen freezer case.
