A recipe for healthy eating

What do we know?

• At birth, newborns depend entirely on adults for nourishment; then, as their motor systems develop, they gradually learn to eat on their own.
• If we offer children a wide variety of nutritious foods, they are more likely to appreciate new foods.
• Children who eat often in fast-food restaurants are at risk for obesity and nutritional deficiencies.
• Many young children suffer from eating problems.
• Most often, problem behaviours related to food are temporary and don’t require any particular intervention.
• The most widespread problem eating behaviours are malnutrition, overeating and eating foods that are high in fat and refined sugar.
• Children accept or reject food based on its texture, taste, smell, temperature and presentation.
• When children systematically refuse nutritious food, parent-child relationships can become strained and mealtimes can become a major source of stress.
• Putting a lot of pressure on children to eat more or less of certain foods can be harmful and can have the opposite effect from what parents want.

What can be done?

• Adopt healthy habits ourselves and model them by eating fruits and vegetables in front of our children, for example.
• Minimize sources of stress that make children anxious. For example, avoid getting into long arguments if they refuse to eat.
• Allow enough time for meals (more than 10 minutes), but don't require children to stay at the table more than 30 minutes.
• Encourage pleasant conversation among family members.
• Avoid sources of distraction at the table, such as television or games.
• Give children small utensils that are easy to use.
• Consult a health professional.

This article is a publication from the Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development.