Embracing "Teach Food First": Nourishing Kids with Whole Foods

Navigating the maze of food choices and trying to get little ones to eat anything at all, especially "healthy foods" can be a very challenging experience. Instilling healthy eating behaviors in our children is crucial including making sure our children have a healthy relationship with food. As a child growing up in the 2000s, I can say society had taught me the opposite of healthy eating behaviors. Celebrities were labeled as "fat" when they were clearly not, and those who were labeled as thin and "what we should look like" were never something obtainable. Yes, as children I was taught the basics of what a healthy diet consisted of, but it never addressed some very important key factors. Income, cultural aspects, and how food is such an integral part of our lives. As a nurse, we are taught the social determinants of health. "Determinants of health are the broad range of personal, social, economic and environmental factors that determine individual and population health". This concept addresses health inequities that many face. There are 12 determinants and arguably a big one is income and social status. We can't apply healthy eating the same to every kid because each household looks very different. This is where embracing the concept of Teach Food First is so important. Its primary goal is to build children who have a positive relationship with food by addressing food as just food. It also acknowledges cultural and financial aspects. So let me share the concept of Teach Food First which is a toolkit used by BC educators to support them in teaching students about nutrition. Hopefully, this supports you in your journey with your child on healthy eating.

In a world filled with endless food choices, teaching our children the value of wholesome nutrition is more important than ever. As a parent, I aspire to pass on healthy behaviors towards food. We also need to recognize that our relationship with food impacts our children. So not only are we teaching our children about nutrition and healthy eating, but we also need to unlearn some beliefs we hold on what is "healthy eating". While better options like fruits and vegetables exist, it's important to remember that food is just food, serving multiple purposes in our lives. It brings people together, acts as a celebratory element, and even serves our mental wellness. We must move away from feelings of guilt and shame tied to what we eat and acknowledge the intricate relationship between life and food. The 'Teach Food First' approach is a journey from food exploration to nutritional education, supporting positive eating attitudes and behaviors.

The "Teach Food First" Approach:
Taking a positive and inclusive approach to teaching about food and nutrition involves several key principles:

• Encouraging a curious exploration of food without biases, fostering a sense of openness and discovery.

• Steering clear of labeling foods as 'healthy' or 'unhealthy,' as research indicates such labels can discourage children from trying new foods and even assume they are less flavorful.

• Recognizing that everyone's dietary choices are influenced by various factors including family context, cultural background, taste preferences, allergies, and personal experiences.

• Embracing the multifaceted role of food, acknowledging its contributions not only to physical health but also to our social connections, mental well-being, and spiritual fulfillment.

• Celebrating the diverse ways in which food enriches our lives, from its significance in social gatherings and family traditions to its role in cultural celebrations.

• By adopting this approach, we create an inclusive environment where individuals can develop a healthy relationship with food while appreciating its cultural, personal, and social dimensions.

To summarize, encourage your child at a young age to explore a variety of foods. Provide your children the chance to play and explore food at a young age. Remember as of 6 months, your little one should be trying solids. Continue this as they get older. As parents it is our role to offer our child food and it's the child's role to choose what they want to and how much to eat.

Steering from labeling food is where we need to work towards breaking some of our own beliefs on food. Steering clear of labels is challenging and I am still working on how I address things. It's best to have a neutral stance on how we address food to promote children's curiosity about food. One example would be to not address McDonald's as bad food. Instead, acknowledge that is a meal we have on occasion because it doesn’t hold a lot of nutritional value, but it's okay that we are having this meal every once and a while because it's convenient and tastes good. Those are both valid reasons to choose a particular meal. Do not punish yourselves because you were not able to provide a balanced meal. Life is busy and expensive. Sometimes it's just not that day to slave over a meal and mom/dad needs a break from cooking. THIS IS OK! Show yourself some kindness and pass that on to our children. I think there is true value in children seeing mom/dad say "Today we were very busy and I am very tired. I need a break so we are going to have an easy meal and that's ok". You are teaching your child self-compasion.

Empowering Autonomy in Eating:
This is very important. The approach recognizes that adults are in control of what to offer, when to eat, and where to eat. While kids decide whether to eat and how much to eat. While I had grown up being penalized for not clearing my plate and had practiced this methodology with my eldest, I had to unlearn this concept. New research has shown that the more parents pressure their children to eat, the less children eat. Especially little ones, they are trying to grasp what little they can control. I can say this is something I see with my kids. So instead offer the plate and leave it at that. I know it's hard, I have been at many dinner tables frustrated and concerned my children were not receiving enough nutrition. This led to the cycle of parent guilt. It is our job as parents to offer a good variety of"healthy" meals and let our children learn the skills, and recognize their own hunger and full cues so they can develop a healthy relationship with food. Once I understood this, that feeling of guilt did subside (at least a little) and my mental load lessened.

In a world filled with food choices that often spark guilt and self-judgment, let's embark on a journey that acknowledges the multifaceted role of food. By embracing the 'Teach Food First' philosophy and nurturing our children's autonomy, we're fostering a generation that thrives both physically and mentally. Join me in celebrating the diversity and joy that food brings to our lives.

Have you ever questioned how our perceptions of food impact the way we approach nourishment? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I'd love to hear your insights!

Learn more on https://healthyschoolsbc.ca/teach-food-first/guiding-principles/