June 2014
71
some point, it reinforces the message
that this food is horrible and the taste
needs to be masked by something else.”
Parents are also warned against
using “treat” foods like ice cream,
chocolate or junk food as a reward
for good behaviour, or to comfort a
child, as it can create an emotional
attachment and attraction to that type
of food. “If you’re upset as a child
and given sweet food to make you feel
better, you can develop an association
with that food as a tool to help you
improve your mood,” says Jacqueline.
Start a healthy habit
What children eat between the ages
of two and five can often determine
food preferences into the teens and
adulthood. Healthy eating habits need
to be encouraged and nurtured early
in life, and a proper relationship with
food established.
Children should be told the truth
about why they need to eat nutritious
foods, and encouraged to make those
decisions for themselves. “Being
upfront and honest is the best way to
educate kids about whole foods, so that
they can identify and become familiar
with good food choices,” offers Dr
Peters. “You can encourage them to
make their own choices, but only from
the healthy options that you provide.”
For example, your child requests
a snack and you offer two options,
nuts or fruits, rather than fruit or a
chocolate bar. It’s also better not to
have the unhealthy options in the
house, as if a child feels they are being
denied a treat that is available, it can
create a desire for that food.
The study also found that children
are more likely to be healthy eaters
when parents are consistent, firm and
stand their ground at mealtimes. Why
would you eat your healthy meal when
you know that if you hold out just a
little bit longer, Mum will provide what
you really want to eat?
“If children understand that
there are boundaries and that no
means no, they are less likely to persist
by pressuring parents to give in to
unhealthy food requests,” says Dr
Peters. “And it’s essential that both
parents are supportive; otherwise, a
child may feel divided or confused
about which parent is right.”
Eating together as a family at the
table is another habit of healthy eaters.
When children see siblings and adults
eating certain types of food, they are
more likely to want to try it themselves.
It also creates an opportunity to talk
about good food and its benefits, rather
than scoffing it down in front of the
TV.
But one of the best ways to
encourage children to eat their
If you’re upset as a child and given
sweet food to make you feel better,
you can develop an association
with that food as a tool to help
you improve your mood.
