Children that practice intuitive eating are less likely to experience eating disorders in the lifetime as well as minimize fluctuation in weight.
Dieting in adolescence is associated with an increased risk for eating disorders and obesity over time, even when initial BMI is controlled for.
Weight-focused health education can inadvertently increase weight-teasing and dieting behavior in adolescents.
Longitudinal studies have shown that the effect of weight-teasing continues to have an effect on both girls and boys into young adulthood.
Parents making comments about their own weight or their child’s are both linked to increased risk for overweight and eating disorders.
The recommendation is for health teaching to be centered around teaching healthy habits for all students, without mentioning weight as an indicator of health or promoting intentional weight loss. Healthy body image, mindfulness, and media literacy is important to incorporate as well.
How we talk about our own bodies and dieting habits around our children and students matters. Refrain from talking about diets/weight loss and model healthy body image.
Permit children to listen to their body cues about hunger and satiety.
Protein includes meat, poultry, seafood, beans, peas, eggs, nuts, seeds and soy products. Protein is full of many different nutrients that help build and strengthen our bones, muscles, skin, blood. It gives our bodies fuel to move.
Grain includes bread, pasta, oats, rice, cornmeal, breakfast cereals, tortillas and popcorn. Grains are full of nutrients including, iron, B vitamins, fiber, magnesium and much more. These help our bodies to heal, build a strong immune system, carry oxygen and aid in digestion.
Dairy includes milk, yogurt and cheese. Dairy give us protein, calcium and vitamin D. These help to strengthen our bones and teeth. They also helps build and repair the muscles in our body.
Vegetables come in many colors and textures, They are an important source of fiber, minerals and vitamins. Some vegetable also count as proteins such as peas and legumes, also known as beans.
Fruits Most fruits are naturally sweet. Some provide extra fiber for your body.
Include kids and family in the kitchen. Check out the tips shown on the left to get your kids involved in the kitchen no matter their age. There are resources listed below for more ways to have kids be involved in the kitchen. Older kids can participate in meal planning, shopping and preparing meals during the week. Have them choose one night a week they are in charge of (with proper supervision and help from an adult). Even if is it's something simple like spaghetti. We all start somewhere. Get creative, make a mess and have fun. Don't be afraid to try new things. You never know, they may love it!
References:
https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ Resources, recipes, tips and games for kids
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/know-your-food-groups
https://www.usdairy.com/dairy-nutrition
https://www.superhealthykids.com/ Resources, recipes, tips and games for kids
https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/nutrition-age/children/kids-kitchen More tips and recipes for kids in the kitchen
https://www.healthyeating.org/ Dairy Council of California
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/138/3/e20161649.full.pdf
https://www.jahonline.org/action/showPdf?pii=S1054-139X%2811%2900176-5
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1499404615000111
Poodle Science YouTube Clip