Critical Information for Healthy Eating from Infancy to Adolescence

Eating behaviors in the early years of life developas children learn what, when and how much to eat by directly trying foods and observing others’ eating behaviors, usually those closest to them.

Even Babies Are at Risk of Poor/Unhealthy Nutrition

A nutrition study involving 3022 babies found that infants aged 4-24 months consumed substantial quantities of energy-dense foods inappropriate for healthy development. Between 18% and 33% of children did not eat even one serving of vegetables daily, and when vegetables were eaten, French fries were the most common choice.

Evidence for the Importance of Breast Milk Is Growing

Research shows that as soon as babies start walking, they begin substantially imitating their parents’ eating behaviors, which plays an important role in establishing long-term habits. Everyone now knows that breastfeeding contributes to infant development in many ways. Because evidence shows breastfeeding positively affects the development of a child’s later eating behaviors, breast milk continues to be recommended as the optimal feeding method during the first 6 months of life.

Avoiding Overfeeding

Well-nourished babies today are among the most important indicators of healthy, successful parents in the future. However, some cultures / viewpoints tend to overfeed children to improve development, contributing to increasing childhood obesity.

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It Is Concerning That Food Eaten in Front of Screens Accounts for Approximately 20-25% of Daily Energy Intake in Children and Adolescents

The media environment’s effect on eating habits is undeniable. Advertising in particular has been shown to shape food-related knowledge, attitudes, preferences and practices. Promotion of unhealthy foods and unnecessary snacking in front of television influence eating behaviors. Children and adolescents aged 8-18 in the United States are exposed to electronic media for an average of more than 7 hours daily. Food eaten in front of screens accounts for approximately 20-25% of children’s daily energy intake. Parents and caregivers should recognize their decisive roles and limit time devoted to television and other sedentary activities.

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Children Are Growing Up Without Enough Fruit and Vegetables

The Canadian Community Health Survey found that 7 in every 10 children aged 4-8 consumed insufficient fruit and vegetables. These children also fail to reach recommended servings of grains and dairy products, showing that poor/unhealthy eating habits are endemic among children. Their diets are shifting toward sugar-sweetened beverages, energy-dense but nutrient-poor snacks and fast food.

What Can Be Done to Help Children Develop Healthy Eating Habits?

Children become familiar with and learn about foods by observing others’ eating behaviors. For example, studies show children increase fruit, vegetable and milk intake after seeing adults consume them. Observing peers has the same effect, increasing vegetable selection and consumption. Positive social modeling is therefore an effective way to encourage healthier eating in children.

Unhealthy foods, convenience foods, energy-dense snacks, sweetened drinks and sedentary lifestyles have led to overweight and obesity. Various studies demonstrate the effects of larger packages on increased energy intake, while reductions in portion or package size consistently reduce energy intake.

Excessive Restriction – “You Absolutely Cannot Eat That” – May Have the Opposite of the Intended Effect

Excessive dietary restriction can cause children to prefer restricted foods and overeat them when given the opportunity. Parents concerned about their child’s diet may try rewarding healthy foods, but research shows excessive control adversely affects food intake and weight. Overcontrolling food intake in children aged 5 – 7 may inadvertently teach them to eat highly palatable foods to manage negative emotions.

Regarding the effects of parental modeling on children’s eating behaviors, consistent evidence shows that do as I do has a stronger positive influence than do as I say as an approach.

Schoolchildren Are Estimated to Obtain 19% to 50% of Their Daily Energy Intake at School

Healthy school menus, affordable food pricing, accessible physical activity opportunities and modeling healthy attitudes and behaviors have resulted in better diets and a 59 – 72% reduction in overweight and obesity. Similar healthy school nutrition practices are also being implemented in our country.

Recommendations for Parents and Caregivers to Encourage Healthy Eating:

• For the first 6 months, encourage breastfeeding whenever possible
• To create a “flavor bridge” to the adult diet for your baby, eat a varied diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Bring only healthy foods into the home
• Choose developmentally appropriate portion sizes for your child’s age and nutritional needs • Decide when and what your child should eat, but allow them to “decide for themselves” how much to eat
• Encourage children to try new foods
• Use your own behaviors and attitudes to model healthy eating
• Trust your child to regulate their own eating
• Choose nutrient-rich diets over energy-dense diets
• Create a positive eating environment by introducing regular family meals

Even with an emphasis on early prevention, early intervention alone is insufficient. Healthy eating behaviors must also be taught and reinforced throughout childhood and adolescence in family, school and community settings.

In Conclusion, children’s eating behaviors are sensitive to many outside influences within families, schools and communities. Many currently support dietary patterns that predispose to obesity. Fortunately, these same influences can also be mobilized to encourage healthy eating practices. Current knowledge of children’s eating behaviors needs to be incorporated into evidence-based prevention and intervention efforts to improve young people’s diet quality and eating behaviors.