tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1663680578112260744.post7176317929337505950..comments2024-03-13T08:18:08.922+10:30Comments on Catdownunder: Toddlers' junk foodcatdownunderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189081688973141295noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1663680578112260744.post-90016764253485065782016-12-24T12:24:12.525+10:302016-12-24T12:24:12.525+10:30There are so many factors affecting the less-than-...There are so many factors affecting the less-than-ideal eating habits of Australian families right now including government policies and economic conditions that force both parents into the workforce. It leaves them tired and exhausted with little time to prepare wholesome food from scratch and so often it is more convenient to 'grab something already made' from the supermarket or the take-away. I know parents who know that this is not ideal but it is a regular part of their 'survival strategy' to at least have something on the dinner table in a timely fashion.<br /><br />In my quest to avoid overly processed foods or those with unhealthy additives, I discovered that there is very little on offer in supermarkets. Much of the 'food' on supermarket shelves is unhealthy in my opinion.<br /><br />Myself, I avoid processed foods and most take-aways. Our versions of take-aways are usually very basic like fish and chips or a roast chicken and pre-prepared salad occasionally but it is usually a pre-cooked portion of home cooked dinner from the freezer.<br /><br />My children have been brought up on foods home-cooked from scratch and, after being unaccustomed to the extreme sweetness and saltiness of junk foods, they don't even want to eat junk food. <br /><br />It is up to parents to teach their children about healthy choices and to lead by example. If you don't want your children to eat junk food, don't buy it! Don't give in to the pressure that marketing wants to push onto our children.<br /><br />I explained to my very young children that I won't take them to a fast food chain because "there is no goodness in that food". They can understand that their bodies need good food to work. I explained that fast foods make them feel full at first but then they soon get hungry again because there was no goodness(nutrition) in it. They soon find out for themselves if they experience it through a birthday party invitation or at someone else's home. Then it's a great oppportunity to reinforce the message.<br /><br />On the other hand, I always make sure that there are ample supplies of fresh fruit in the bowl at easy reach, inviting the children to choose a piece, healthy cereals and other foods available that they can easily prepare, and I make sure the pantry is stocked with baking supplies. If the children do crave biscuits or cake, they learn to bake them from scratch, thus using up calories in the making and encouraging them to learn useful life skills. When the healthier option is the easiest option, the choice is simple for the children. It is all a balance. It is a shame that many families have tipped the balance too far in the wrong direction.<br /><br />I get angry and frustrated when I see a parent of a young toddler making poor choices for the child. I worry that we have an entire generation of parents who know no different.Jodiebodiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11377052537742885631noreply@blogger.com