30+ Years Experience in the Field of Nutrition

Nutritional Roadmaps

March 25, 2024

December 20, 2023

I started freaking myself out during a reflective moment. I was thinking back to when I used to give these little talks in front of seven and eight-year-olds during pediatric week. I was working in a hospital at the time and we used to have children visit during pediatric week so they can see how things run in hospitals. Of course the nutrition department used to prepare goody bags with healthy treats. After my talk, I would ask the children stand up, raise their right hand and take an oath promising to eat fruits and vegetables, to drink their milk, etc. It was very cute. I asked them some of their favorite foods to eat and together we were able to come up with some healthier choices. It was interactive and I’d like to think a good learning experience for them. It certainly turned out to be one for me.
One child very politely raised his hand and asked me “what if my mom doesn’t buy things like that because she doesn’t like them?”

Hmmmm
Good question.
As the designer of this child’s nutritional roadmap, I could only hope that his mom listened to the things he learned that day and might try to give him some new things to try. Open communication between adults and children, when it comes to nutritional intake, is so important. This is where children start forming their relationship with food whether we realize it or not. This is where they can start building a positive attitude toward healthy eating. We can learn from our children as well as teach them. Encourage them to ask questions and try new things. Inspire them by improving your nutritional health. Journal together. Kids pick up on things, little nuances that may not even register in an adult. They have a lot to offer.

Consider the nutritional roadmap you are creating for your children while revamping your own, which was probably created for you when you were a child. Even if you don’t enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, high value proteins, baking or broiling over frying, think about the impact you are having over an impressionable child.

Remember when I said that the nutrition workout is a real mental test? Breaking down and rebuilding a lifelong diet is hard work. But it is our responsibility to start the next generation on the right track. I would like to think that little boy went home to show off all he learned that day about good nutrition and his mom was receptive to try and make beneficial changes for both of them.

Keep scrolling to read more about Nutritional Roadmaps

Peace, B




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