August is Kids Eat Right Month, which inspired me as a new mum to write this article based on a bunch of new studies about kid's health.
Contrary to many parent's beliefs and actions, children shouldn't be forced or pressured to eat anything (including veggies). What whaaat? Seriously, this latest study is just adding to the body of research showing these results. Read 'em and weep:
- Children who had more control over food-related decisions were more likely to enjoy eating healthy foods
- Urging a child to eat increases food neophobia (fear of new foods)
- Offering new foods reduces food neophobia
- Children with high neophobia scores tended to like fewer foods
Next up, family meals. There are numerous researched benefits to families eating meals together:
- They significantly increase the amount of fruit and veggies kids eat
- They are significantly associated with BMI z-scores (more family meals equals healthier BMI)
- They are associated with overall higher diet quality (see a review of earlier studies here, along with tips for fun, fast family meals)
Translation?
If you, the parents, are eating at Mc Donald's (environment), your child is likely with you and either sharing your meal or getting their own Mc Donald's meal (shared food). This is due to you, the parent, modeling the consumption of that particular food. This example is, of course, a negative one.
Finally, the take home messages:
- No healthy child self-starves
- The less of a fuss you make about your kids eating, the better time you'll have and the healthier food habits your children will have
- Eat with your kids (and be a role model: Eat your veggies!)
- Make the time, watching your favourite show on Netflix can wait
I happened upon this article whilst writing the above. How to get kids involved in prepping their lunches: