Toddler nutrition: What does healthy eating really mean?

Nicci Robertson, provides us with savvy facts about being mindful and engaging when it comes to fuelling the family.

Nicci is the founder of the Re-Invent Company and author of the Re-Invent Wellness Coaching Methodology. She is a clinical nutritionist, master practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming and Psycho-neuro immunology.

What does healthy eating really mean?

Typically, when a family or individual comes to my practice for the first time, nine out of ten honestly believe they eat well. The average person is well and truly fooled by clever packaging, because it’s tricky to navigate and understand the information presented on the nutrition label.

A simple rule for those who want to eat really well, is to forget about packing anything into the trolley that has a list of ingredients on the package. If it comes in a foil or plastic container with cardboard outer packaging, you won’t be eating well!

Any food made in a factory almost always contains added sugars and saturated fats.

Of course, there is the odd exception. But keep in mind that no matter how convincing the packaging looks, if you only have to “heat and serve”, chances are you really shouldn’t be eating it (this includes ready-to-eat toddler meals).

Fundamental nutrition facts

Nutrition is simple, compliance is complicated.

There are fundamental nutrition facts that are simple to share with those who are willing to make a worthwhile change in their lifestyles.  However, there is also the family dynamic that needs to be considered, as well as the circumstances that influence whether or not the parent is willing to make those changes.

Getting educated by a nutritionist who can explain the basics and empower children (from toddlers) and adults alike to make healthy choices is an invaluable tool. From knowing how to spot a fad and how to read a food label, parents will be able to make sound choices for their household’s well-being…

Basic health tips when it comes to your children

• It is imperative that children are never prescribed a diet, as it sets them up for a lifetime of food issues and self-image problems.
• Parents need to understand that their children will mimic their actions and adopt their value systems regarding food. It is the parents’ absolute responsibility to change their personal eating habits to ensure that proper nutrition is a priority if they are concerned about their children’s health in the long term.
• Making time to eat as a family, and preparing and cooking healthy meals together is central to building good relationships with food.
• Get honest and face reality about the household environment. Is there unrelenting conflict, abuse and little positive feedback? This kind of negativity nurtures comfort-eating in both children and adults.

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