Eating Well for Life - Raising Kids Who Thrive Lecture 4

This was a great lecture. It reinforced all of the things I've been reading about how to introduce foods to children. It cited several studied that reinforced what was mentioned in the book "First Bite" by Bee Wilson.

My favorite study cited was the one where parents were given education about healthy eating, mainly around fruits and veggies. The result of the study showed that if the parents changed their behavior, the children were more likely to change theirs. It reinforced this notion that the best thing we can be for our children is great role models.

Highlights from the lecture:

Key suggestions:
1. Pair new foods with familiar foods.
2. Encourage children to eat new foods without being harsh or forceful.
3. Eat the food yourself in front of the kids.
4. Avoid filling up with sweets before introducing new foods.
5. Be patient and let your child eventually adapt to new foods.



Babies are influenced by what mom's eat in utero and while breastfeeding.
Exposure to foods is key.Moms who eat healthy produce kids who prefer healthy foods.

Around 2 years, there is a shift towards pickiness. Why? Small children don't have as much of a buffer regarding new foods that may be dangerous, so the evolutionary mechanism is a phobia of new foods. The novelty avoidance happens during the historical end of breastfeeding.

Food tastes better when you're hungry. It is better not to let a child fill up on familiar foods when trying new foods.

Historically we went from being hunter/gatherers to being more sedentary. So we move less and have abundant calories available.

Be careful about associating foods with nausea. Don't introduce new foods when a child is coming down with something.

Clean your plate pressure backfires. Children who are pressured don't eat more than those who don't.

Eat more healthy foods yourself. Studies have shown that if parents increase their eating of fruits and veggies, their children will too.