What Causes Poor Eating Habits

- every child has different nutritional needs based on their height, weight, activity level, allergies, etc....

- a poor example will foster poor eating habits

- the food choices availablem if junk food is available more than healthy choices then junk food is going to be eaten more often

- a child's emotions may push them into overeating, this is a pattern you want to be aware of and watch out for early as it can be very problematic if it continues throughout life

- medical conditions and medication may affect a child's appetite inhibiting their ability to learn when they're truly hungry and not hungry, full and not full, etc.

- likewise frequent illnesses can lead to bad habits and repetive choices

- frequent stops at fast food restaurants and drive thrus

- too few meals during the day, in our hurried lifestyles meal skipping becomes more and more normal

- lack of food education when they haven't learned early what foods are good for them and what foods are not good for them and more importantly the cause and effect that can happen from it

- inactivity and poor eating habits seem to go hand in hand particularly in children

- struggles and arguments between parent and child over what to eat and not eat can lead to poor choice making

- anxiety and stress plays a large role in decisions about food even for children

Eating Disorders in Kids

-beware of sports that require them to stay at "ideal" weights (ie, figure skating, gymnastics, wrestling, ballet)

-signs of eating disorders- weight loss, skipping meals, obsessed with calorie counts, excessive exercise, binge eating

-your positive self image will help discourage eating disorders

-teach them not to eat for emotional reasons, to find constructive outlets such as exercise or a hobby

-contact your physician immediately if you suspect a disorder

-beware of internet use if you suspect a disorder, check their history to see what they are researching online

-anorexia, bulimia, binge eating are common disorders

-some disorders caused by the eating disorders are dehydration, malnutrition, hair loss, diabetes, muscle loss, tooth and gum decay, death

-monitor media from a young age to allow for more of a positive body image

-raise their self esteem by having them join activities, sports, hobbies, even start a business

Picky Eaters

- get them involved in meal time decisions, they are more likely to eat something that they helped make even if it's new and different

- when trying something new, serve it with a familiar favorite

- shape it, get out the cookie cutters and cut food into more interesting shapes

- make it a sandwich, wrap, roll, pita, to a choosy child everything seems to taste better this way

- go out to eat, as silly as that sounds even picky eaters seem willing to try something new when its on the menu at a restaurant

- don't try to trick the child into eating something they don't like, it will only make them angry and untrusting of what they're being served, for example if a child doesn't like peppers don't try to hide them in their next sandwich thining they will like it if they just try it

- there are many different levels of picky, if your child is getting their recommended calories and eating nutritious foods even if they are the same foods over and over again then there really isn't a lot of cause for concern, continure trying to introduce new foods and over time as the child gets older they will become gradually less picky, add a multivitamin to their daily routine if they don't take one already

- try not to make a big deal about it, just serve food as usual with no threats, arguments or discussions and wait to see what happens before taking any actions

- do not use food as a reward for food ~ ie. (Don't say you can have XYZ if you eat ABC) it only encourages the refusal of food

- never force a child to eat anything they don't want to eat, it will only have the opposite effect that you want to accomplish

Explaining the Importance of Healthy Eating

- kids follow your example, the first step in teaching healthy eating is to eat healthy on a regular basis to tach via example and actions

- pack your own nutritious snacks, drinks and meals for family outings instead of buying overpriced soda, candy and junkfoods

- plant a garden having his or her own vegetables, fruits and herbs will encourage wanting to use those and give them a sense of pride and accomplishment as well as something good to eat

- offer choices at snack time and talk about them, for example carrot sticks and dip or a bowl full of salty chips, it's often surprising which they choose when you talk about the goodness and health factors of each option

- talk about whats on the label, food packaging is a great teaching tool because it tells them everything they need to know right there in print, encourage reading age children to read the package on their own and find what's good and what's not so good

- talk about the health benefits, such as a stronger immune system - the less you're sick the more fun you get to have doing things you enjoy

- ask them to help with meal prep and talk about the ingredients, carrots are good for seeing, garlic is good for immunity, etc...

- obesity may be a difficult thing to discuss with your child, but it is a very serious condition that is having an affect on our country, let them know the risks involved sometimes knowing is half the battle

- show them charts like the food guide pyramid and let them ask questions, they will have questions and they may even notice what parts of the chart they aren't getting enough

- you won't always be there to help them with their decisions but you've taught them the right ones to make so when the time comes they'll be prepared

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