Setting up your kids for lifelong nutritional success

Good nutrition starts early. Children’s brains and bodies are continually growing and developing, so it’s imperative to foster their relationship with food from the start, too.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are many ways that healthy eating positively impacts development and growth. Among the many benefits, children who eat a healthy diet are boosting their immune system, supporting brain development and strengthening bones. Simply put, ensuring proper nutrition is part of raising happy, healthy children.

March is National Nutrition Month and a good opportunity to evaluate how we are demonstrating good nutrition habits for our kids. Actually, good food behaviors start in infancy even before we are often aware of the influence we are having on our children.

“The best way to model a positive relationship with food is to educate that all foods fit,” said Lacey Lemke, a doctor of psychology and Eating Disorders Service Line Director, Ascension Illinois. “When we label foods as ‘unhealthy,’ we risk inadvertently teaching our youth to view their bodies and relationships with food through a lens of shame, rather than understanding balance and self-care. Research has shown that taking an “all foods fit” approach results in decreased preoccupation with one’s body and fewer depressive symptoms.”

While kids don’t need to take part in making family meals, meal prep can be a good opportunity to engage with and teach children about healthy food choices. It also provides parents the opportunity to take stock in their own choices and model good behaviors and healthy choices.

And who you eat with, where you eat and what feelings surround food also all shape your child’s perception and relationship with what they eat. This is why family mealtimes are so important. It may be challenging to share every meal, but maximizing time spent together at the dinner table without the distraction of screens and other technology allows for bonding and conversation.

Lastly, remember that they may not like everything you offer them and being a picky eater is OK so long as it is not interfering with their growth and development. Offering choice with guidance will help them have a healthy lifelong relationship with food.

• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Ascension Illinois.