Our children and even our grandchildren are always watching and listening to what we say and do.
Making sure your remarks and messaging about food are positive is very important to help children develop a good relationship with their food choices, healthy eating habits and see their body and weight positively.
• Avoid describing food or behaviors around food as “bad” or “good.” Instead, talk about special, treat foods or “sometime” foods and foods that give us energy to do sports and make us strong.
• Avoid hiding food from kids. Hiding foods like candy from kids can increase their curiosity and interest in these foods and the lure of eating something “forbidden” may make these foods more appealing.
• Avoid punishing or rewarding kids with food. Trying to persuade children to finish meals by promising them a dessert of telling kids that if they’re good they get to eat fast-food puts the emphasis on foods as a reward. Instead of making food the goal, think about other non-food treats for kids….a trip to a special park or the library, a movie, a sticker or small toy instead.
Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN
Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian
facebook.com/LeahMcgrathDietitian
800-334-4936