Be a picky eater. Kids won’t easily eat some- thing 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 eat- ing is an acquired 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 some- thing they never thought they would.
the best and worst parts of their day. There is more to a party than cake and ice Eating until you are content
cream. Invite children to a party and they’ll want to know what they are going to get to do; invite adults and they’ll wonder what food will be served. Instead of avoid- ing food-based get togethers, focus on the social aspects of the event.
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, watch- ing 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
Sleep is good. Children need a good night’s sleep to prepare for the adventures that tomorrow will bring. Everyone benefits from a consistent bed- time and good rest.
Live in the moment. Kids are masters at living in the
present; they don’t waste a lot of energy worrying about what has already happened or what might happen tomor- row. 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.
natural awakenings
July 2013
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