With the high rate of childhood obesity in the United States, healthy eating for kids is critical. However, many of us find it difficult to know what healthy eating for kids is and getting kids to eat healthy can seem like an impossible task. Two newly published research studies show that healthy eating for kids starts with our own good eating habits.
In one study, researchers explored the impact of mothers' feeding practices on their children's consumption of fruits and vegetables. For this study, 60 mothers were recruited and asked to fill out a questionnaire, once when their child was 1 year old and again when their child was 2 years old. The results of this study on healthy eating for kids showed that different approaches to getting children to eat fruits and vegetables had different effects. Pressuring 1-year-old children to eat healthier resulted in the children eating fewer fruits and vegetables at 2 years of age. In contrast, children of mothers who practiced good eating habits, and thus provided a good healthy eating model, increased their consumption of vegetables at 2 years of age. The results of this healthy eating for kids study showed that mothers can have a greater impact on their child's eating habits by developing their own healthy eating habits.
In a second study of healthy eating for kids, researchers tested the link between fathers and their children in regards to consumption of fruits, vegetables and some energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. This study consisted of 50 overweight fathers and their 8-9 year old child. Dietary habits of both the fathers and the children were determined with a food frequency questionnaire. The study investigators reported that there was a moderately strong link between a father's consumption of fruit, cookies, and potato chips with their child's consumption of these items. There were no associations between dietary intake of vegetables, ice cream, chocolate, or French fries. Interestingly, child intake of fruits and vegetables was slightly higher than their fathers' intake on average. While not all food items assessed showed a link between father and child consumption levels, this study suggests that the eating habits of fathers can also influence healthy eating for kids. In particular, this study suggests that fathers might want to increase the fruit consumption and decrease the amount of cookies and potato chips they eat.
It is clear from this and previous studies that developing good eating habits as parents is a critical part of healthy eating for kids. Not only will this help in the fight against childhood obesity, but also by improving our own eating habits we also can enhance our own overall health.
Aaron Tabor, MD
Diet, Anti-Aging, and Nutritional Cosmetic Expert
Author of Dr. Tabor's Diet and FIGHT NOW.
Learn more about Dr. Tabor's diet and anti-aging research at www.DrTabor.com.
Learn more about Dr. Tabor's breast cancer prevention book at www.fightBCnow.com.