Struggling with our changing food culture which is turning our little ones into picky eaters? You’re certainly not alone. In this two-part series, we’re diving deep into the root causes of picky eating and exploring strategies parents can employ to navigate this phase. But before we delve into that, let’s introduce our special guests for this episode, Carmen and Diahann.
Meet Carmen Cooper
Carmen, a seasoned clinical nutritionist and naturopath based in Sydney, brings over a decade of experience to the table, specializing in everything from fertility to children’s gut health. A fervent believer in the transformative power of real food and natural medicine, Carmen is on a mission to revolutionize family health.
Meet Diahann Marsh
Diahann, a dedicated mother of three, pivoted from a career in human resources to the realm of nutrition, driven by personal health challenges. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Applied Science and the Nutrition Academy, she now serves as a functional nutrition consultant, advocating for the transformative potential of proper nutrition. Together with Carmen, they founded Flourishing Bodies, a venture aimed at guiding others to optimal health.
The changing landscape of eating habits: What really happened…?
Our guests highlight a significant shift in our eating environment over the years. The cherished tradition of family meals around the dining table has been replaced by a culture of eating in haste – in cars, at desks, or even while shopping. And we are not judging here, as we have done this ourselves, and still do at times, but now we are much more mindful and do our best to have dinner at the table as often as possible.
Food is available all day long. We are offering snacks to kids, not to satiate hunger, but to keep them occupied. This approach, though providing momentary peace, can foster a detrimental relationship with food in the long run.
Adding to the complexity is the distraction brought about by technology. The constant engagement with phones and tablets has shifted the focus away from the dining experience, reducing meals to just another task to be ticked off the daily list. This shift has eroded the mindfulness and gratitude traditionally associated with food, fostering fussy eating habits as children lose their appreciation for meals. We are however aware that there are some families who rely on technology to assist children with attention disorders to help retain attention where needed.
These three things have removed the mindfulness and the gratitude around food. It’s a large contributor to fussy eating because children are no longer learning about food, taste, and textures, with many children not understanding or appreciating food anymore.
But wait there’s more… The trap of too many choices
Most parents also fall into the trap of providing too many options for kids. In yester years, there was no luxury of choices, and if you didn’t eat, you went without. It was always the “any food is better than no food” policy.
However, no parent wants to see their kid go hungry. So we don’t stand our ground and we don’t put reasonable boundaries around eating. And this gives kids the perception that they can choose their food if they push hard enough.
So what can we do?
To counteract these trends, it’s vital to re-establish the significance of “eating moments.” Despite hectic schedules, try and carve out time for shared meals, fostering connection, bonding, and the creation of cherished memories.
Involving children in the food preparation process can also be a game-changer. Allowing them to experience the textures, smells, and visuals of raw food can reshape their relationship with what they eat, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding.
Furthermore, parents can gradually steer children towards healthier choices by presenting them with a mix of options on their plate, slowly phasing out the less nutritious items as children develop a taste for healthier alternatives.
Don’t Miss out!
Stay tuned for the second part of this enlightening conversation where we continue to explore strategies to navigate the world of today’s picky eaters.
You can check out all that Carmen and Diahann have to offer via their business, Flourishing Bodies here:
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Much love,
Jo & Tracey x
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