No matter where you turn, there’s a constant discussion on childhood obesity and family nutrition—maintaining a proper diet is something that is difficult for anyone. This is a problem that has occurred due to many different extenuating circumstances. Whether it be due to the ease and comfort that comes with more constant use of fast food, or the loss of knowledge concerning a proper and well rounded diet, to understanding that use of antiquated food systems, like the “food pyramid,” aren’t only out of date – but are quite imbalanced. In trying to bring your child into an understanding of health and nutrition there must be a reevaluation as to what really is proper nutrition.
The original USDA Food Pyramid was largely based on consuming carbohydrates, any and all of them; however, research has shown that not all carbohydrates are good for you. Different carbs can drastically change blood sugar levels as well as the way insulin naturally reacts in the body. Refined carbs, (such as those found in processed foods, white bread, and certain pastas,) have been suggested to be one of several reasons as to why overall diets have begun to suffer. Inversely the original Food Pyramid also warned against fats and sugars; however, some fats are essential for the body as they create fatty acids. Fatty acids attract oxygen through the transportation between the lungs and red blood cells, reduce lactic acid which help muscles recover, as well as many other things. In understanding and accepting the changes to social staples like the Food Pyramid we can help ourselves and our children stay on healthy and nutritious diets.
So, how do we get our children to stay within the confines of a proper diet? There are many temptations often pulling them a hundred different directions, and we can’t always be around to make sure they aren’t discarding their fruits and vegetables for something a little less healthy. There are many things that can help, but arguably the most important is to give them a say. Allowing children to have a direct impact on what they’re eating, and what they’re doing, creates the façade that they have more direct power within their lives, while at the same time allowing you as the guardian some healthier direct interaction into what your child wants, and what they think is the best for themselves.
There are many ways to give power back to your child, everything from getting them to help you plan meals, to shopping lists, to the outdoor activities and sports they may want to be a part of. Allowing your child to take a larger role in these activities again allows them to feel a sense of empowerment, but it also gives you, as the guardian, extra insight into how their minds are operating. Therefor, if they are wanting nothing but chips and soda and they have no understanding as to why that’s necessarily bad for them, you can rationally explain to them the effects that may have on their bodies, and instead how to strengthen their eating habits to in turn strengthen their bodies. Once there is some semblance of a middle ground forged, it tends to be easier to connect with one another.