Are you tired of constantly worrying about your child’s eating habits? Do you want them to grow up with a healthy relationship with food? Intuitive eating for kids is a great way to help them develop a positive and intuitive relationship with food.
What is Intuitive Eating?
First things first, let’s talk about what intuitive eating actually is. It’s a non-diet approach to eating that emphasizes listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, as well as honoring your cravings and enjoying all types of food in moderation. It’s not about restriction or deprivation, but rather about trusting your body to guide you in making healthy choices
So, how can you encourage intuitive eating in your little ones? Here are a few tips:
Trust Their Appetite
Kids are great at listening to their bodies when it comes to hunger and fullness. Encourage them to eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full. Don’t force them to clean their plate or restrict their portions.
Offer a Variety of Foods
Introduce a variety of foods and let your child decide what they want to eat. Don’t force them to eat something they don’t like, but also encourage them to try new foods and flavors.
Teach them about Nutrition
While intuitive eating is all about trusting your body, it’s still important to educate kids about the importance of balanced nutrition. Teach them about the different food groups and how they provide energy and nutrients for the body.
Avoid Labeling Foods as “Good” or “Bad”
All foods can fit into a healthy diet in moderation. Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad” and instead encourage your child to enjoy all types of food in moderation. Even in my book, The Boy Who Burped, Brother admits that they will probably eat chocolate, candy, ice cream and soda again…but they will eat more than that and feel much better.
Don’t use Food as a Reward or Punishment
Using food as a reward or punishment can create an unhealthy relationship with food. Instead, find non-food ways to reward or celebrate accomplishments.
Trust and Listen
In summary, intuitive eating for kids involves:
- Trusting the Appetite
- Offering a Variety of Foods
- Teaching about Nutrition
- Avoiding labeling foods as “good” or “bad”
- Not using food as a reward or punishment
Being a mom to Montessori kids, I truly believe that Intuitive Eating aligns with the philosophy of fostering independence and discovery in a planned environment. If you are looking for a community to join that can support your goals for building a better food relationship for your family, check out Feeding Bliss.
Remember, intuitive eating is all about trust and listening to your body. By encouraging your child to trust their own appetite and enjoy a variety of foods, you can help them develop a healthy relationship with food that will last a lifetime.
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