How do you bring balance into your home when it comes to food?

We let you know that it is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and talked some about disordered eating with kids. This is definitely a topic that could be discussed endlessly. To round out the week, we want to ask you to think about balance.

We all have to eat. There is no doubt about that, but food can sometimes be a scary thing with talks about eating disorders in kids and confusion about food.

I have worked to teach my little girl about balanced meals and eating in moderation. I struggled with food as a child and don't want to pass that on to her. I find that the best way to teach her about food is to eat healthy meals with her each day.

I used to eat on the go while I was making her lunch or just bring food back and forth to the table. I usually ended up not eating enough and not sitting down with her to show her the value in eating. I realized that it is more healthy for BOTH of us if I sit down with my balanced meal and show her how imperative it is to eat.

Children need to eat to develop and grow. If we offer them healthy choices, for the most part there's no need to restrict foods with our kids. We have found that balance is the key to eating. We do not restrict all sugar, but work to limit the quantities. So one cookie is acceptable, whereas we offer an apple or carrots if she is still hungry after that one.

It is also about quality. Sometimes my little one only wants to eat cheese all day. I have to say, some days I feel that way. To help with over consumption and make sure she receives other nutrients, I try to offer her something else with the cheese. Maybe it is a raisin-cheese combo or cheese and pear. We find that although sometimes she does not always eat everything we offer her, it is important to offer fruits and vegetables at lunch and dinner each day.

Balance is the most important thing when it comes to food. If we restrict one thing, it only makes it more enticing. If we try to only force one type of food, those other options get left out.

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