Teaching Kids The Value of Nutritious Eating Habits
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Oct 25, 2008, 16:10   Healthy eating habits are usually formed long before little ones start to select their own foods. Little ones take one the eating habits of their role models. Parents and child care providers are the first role models that children encounter.

Little ones are excellent observers. When little ones observe what is being done in the kitchen, they can create a complete dialogue with their invisible friend on how to fry french fries or make a salad.

In many studies involving the eating patterns of little ones, researchers found that their eating habits, including preferences for certain foods was linked to the patterns and preferences of their parents.

As little ones transition from bottles to bacon, they start developing eating patterns that stay with them throughout their lives. Nutritious eating habits that are started at a very early age will follow them through adulthood.

Since it is documented that eating healthy can prevent serious illness, it is important that role models start giving a carrot stick or an apple for a fun snack rather than a sugary snack. Little ones consume what they see adults eating.

Parents do not realize the major influence that they have over what their little ones learn to consume. Following the eating habits of children, research has shown that the
attitudes about food are almost as hereditary as the color of their eyes. This fact puts a lot of stress on parents.

But understanding the far reaching implications of this study will result in healthier little ones and healthier parents.

Parents can relate to the fact that they associate both positive and negative memories with food. When little ones are involved in fun activities, they usually are eating junk food. The food offered at the park is all about hotdogs,
ice cream and sugary snacks.

The smell of Grandma's cookies baking in the oven might evoke feelings of love and security. While the smell of vegetables cooking might invoke a negative memory of having to clean the plate of vegetables before getting dessert.

Bribing a little one to eat nutriously is a short term strategy that will usually backfire. "These contingency strategies are effective in the short run; they elicit the correct response, says Dr. Fisher, Ph.D, assistnant profession of Pediatrics at Baylor College of medicine. In a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Dr Fisher made a direct link to the eating patterns of children and their parents.

Dr. Fisher and her researchers made some startling discoveries concerning the eating habits of little ones. The kids of parents who consumed lots of fruits and vegetables in turn had little ones who also consumed the same types of foods. Alternatively, parents who only allowed nutritious eating but led an unhealthy eating lifestyle, had little ones who consumed low intakes of fruits and vegetables.

Little ones will like and respond to the power of influence. Because nutritious eating habits are as important for parents as it for the children, the commitment to eating healthier will be easy.

The moral of the study is that if you want your little ones to follow nutritious eating patterns, the general rule is you must set an example - don't just instruct them.

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