Snacks are good. Kids naturally prefer to eat smaller meals
with snacks in-between whenever they get hungry. That pattern of eating keeps their metabolism stoked all day; adults’ too. All foods Fit. Children are born with a natural preference
for sweet foods and quickly learn to enjoy fatty foods. Such fun comfort foods can be part of a healthy diet. In fact, studies show that overly restrictive food rules can cause children to feel guilty or ashamed and lead to rebellious eating. Everyone eats healthier when they learn to enjoy less nutritious foods in moderation without deprivation. Be a picky eater. Kids won’t easily eat something they
don’t like. Consider how much less you’d eat if you didn’t settle for food that only tastes so-so. You can learn to like new foods. Healthy eating is an ac- quired taste, so provide a variety of appealing, healthful foods at the family table. If children observe us eating a variety of healthful foods, then they will learn to as well. It can take up to 10 different occasions of two-bite exposures to a new food, but kids often surprise themselves by liking something they never thought they would.
Eating until you are content
is more important than finishing everything on your plate.
Make the most of your food. Eating is a total sensory experience for children as they examine, smell and touch each morsel. You’ll appreciate food aromas, appearance and flavors more if you aren’t driving, watching television, working on a computer, reading or standing over the sink. Eating with your family is fun. Babies and toddlers
naturally love eating with other people. Family mealtime is a golden opportunity to model good habits and conversational skills and connect with each other. With older children, play high-low around the dinner table, where each family member takes a turn sharing the best and worst parts of their day. There is more to a party than cake and ice cream. Invite
children to a party and they’ll want to know what they are go- ing to get to do; invite adults and they’ll wonder what food will be served. Instead of avoiding food-based get togethers, focus on the social aspects of the event. Sleep is good. Children need a good night’s sleep to prepare for the adventures that tomorrow will bring. Everyone benefits from a consistent bedtime and good rest. Live in the moment. Kids are masters at living in the pres-
ent; they don’t waste a lot of energy worrying about what has already happened or what might happen tomorrow. They are fully engaged in small, enjoyable pursuits. Adults will do well to reconsider the true joys of life and we can learn a lot from children.
Michelle May is a medical doctor, founder of the “Am I
Hungry?” mindful eating program (
AmIHungry.com) and the award-winning author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat. Her mission is to help individuals break free from mindless and emotional eating to live a more vibrant, healthy life.
July 2010 21
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