They are Counting on Us!

We don't want to be critical of the favorite foods that we prepare for our kids because they are decent, satisfying foods that comprise a reasonable component of a good diet. However, consider this: Are we too concerned about preparing a meal of favorite foods, and less interested in introducing young children to the delightful variety of foods that will be important in ensuring lifelong good nutrition?

Eating a wide variety of foods is simply the best way to ensure nutritional adequacy and good health. Our bodies need protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water to function at peak performance. By eating foods from the grain, vegetable, fruit, milk and protein groups, we get the nutrients we need. Variety within the food groups is critical because key nutrients in each food group offer unique contributions to our diet. If we ate only one kind of food from each food group, we could develop nutrient deficiencies, even though we consumed enough calories.

Nutrition is a relatively young science, but good sense tells us that variety is the key toconsuming a nutritious diet.

Mikey likes only four foods: boxed macaroni and cheese, white bread, french fries and apple juice. If we become overly concerned with satisfying Mikey's caloric needs by serving him only what he wants, the only foods he knows, we risk long-term deficiencies in a number of different nutrients, including vitamins A and C, calcium, fiber and iron.

It is critical that we remember that we are "teaching" children to experience and enjoy a wide variety of foods that will keep them healthy. This is a process that requires tenacity. If they miss a calorie here and there because they reject a food, it is still far less important than the experience of learning to like a new food. In the feeding relationship, we must honor the division of responsibility. The adult is responsible for serving a wide variety of foods in a supportive manner. The child needs this exposure in order to discover, taste and enjoy new foods. Children know how much to eat, they don't know what kinds of food they need.

Variety is important. Next time you want to say, "but Mikey only eats…," remember that you are the adult who wants to offer the best of everything to Mikey. It takes time, patience, encouragement and above all confidence that this is in the child's best interest.  They are counting on your wisdom.

By Solano Family & Children's Services, Child Care Food Program