How, Not to Let "Fast Food" Become the Norm for Your Kids

Just like yourself, I’ve always had a desire to protect my children from all things that hurt us. But at the same time, my intention has been to fill them with inspiration for all things worthy. And with that, respect and knowing that gratification follows commitment and work. If work is balanced with having fun, the showering of purpose and joy rains down ♥︎

This is the attitude I have in regard to nutrition. Yes, it takes work to shop for fresh organic ingredients. It takes time and work and patience to grow your own produce. It takes energy, creativity, and time to put together meals that suit the timing and palate of each family member but it is extremely satisfying. I am happier, more energetic, more creative, incredibly focused, stronger, faster, and more satisfied when I eat fresh home-prepared food. Dedicated scheduling of the purchase, preparation, and cooking is an essential skill that we must model and teach our next generation if they are going to thrive rather than just survive.

I see how easy it is to slip into more convenient eating habits that seem less stressful and less expensive. But if occasional fast food or heavily processed options becomes the norm, it will add to the difficulty of promoting healthy eating and social habits for your kids as they grow up. It will be the only way they know and the importance of taking the time, scheduling the most important time to cook, and satisfy their body’s nutritional obligations will forever be a distant hope.

So what do you do if have a child that will push away a plate at the mere mention of vegetables?

Role model the behaviours you want for your children!!

The younger your child is, the easier this will be to tackle. Young children instinctively participate in mindful eating. The essence of eating and what goes on in your kitchen will need to involve the concept of fun. Most parents form their definition and checklist of “healthy foods” based on their own expectations and food experiences.  Infants and toddlers are connected to their senses and perhaps it is time to let go of heavy food rules and allow them to explore, play, and practice their evolutionary eating.

Allowing your child to have a mindful attitude toward food, trusting in their individual expertise. After all, children do not appear to eat out of boredom or for emotional comfort unless this is modelled and taught to them. They don’t know about “junk food” unless we, as their caregivers introduce it into our home. As the parent, you can decide on what healthy foods to offer and they can decide on what they will choose from your offering and how much of it. Give some ownership back to your child, talk to them about how their choice made them feel.

I loved to talk to my children about what healthy food is. If you allow this discussion to play into a child’s perspective, creating visions of healthy food as something that will help them grow, get taller, become strong, play more, run fast, or get smarter than you! Talk about the environment and where their food is coming from and how the making of it affects the planet and their future.

From a very young age, children should be encouraged to be involved in food selection and meal preparation. Then further encourage mindful eating by allowing them to be completely involved in the eating experience. Let them explore using utensils, combining the food on their plate in playful ways.

Our children are always looking to us as models, so be aware of how you think of or label foods. Be patient with your child’s palate. When your child refuses to eat something remember that it takes 10 to 15 times for children to trust and try new food. Offer it in different cooking methods, shapes, temperatures, and offer something that looks good.

Just like all behaviours, your babies won’t eat the way you want all the time. But try to avoid taking all the natural pleasure out of real food. Hold strong on creating healthy eating memories ♕