If you’ve tried everything to lose weight and keep it off... Join Me In This FREE Masterclass!!

Is it strange to think that kids can eat the same foods as adults? Having spent an ample amount of time working with a pediatric population, I realize the types of foods kids are usually fed, and I also know it’s not impossible to get them to eat nourishing, real foods. Often times I get frequent puzzled looks by parents when I encourage them to feed their children the same foods that are healthy for them, the adults, to eat.

Increasing rates of childhood obesity and early onset diabetes are on the rise, and children are suffering more and more often from behavioral disorders, autoimmune conditions and early onset puberty. When we take a step back, it really should be no surprise as to why this is the case. What’s on the kid’s menu at restaurants? Mini corn dogs, macaroni and cheese, cheese pizza and chicken fingers. Which foods have pictures of cartoon characters on them? The ones I see brought into my office are fruit snacks, teddy grahams, sugary cereals and a variety of other empty calorie, nutrient-void, junk foods. I have yet to see a hunk of broccoli with an Elmo label on the front. Unfortunately, foods marketed to children are packaged, processed, high in refined sugars and nutrient deficient. This brings me to my point: there is NO reason why kids should have to eat these “special foods” that are marketed for kids.

It’s important to teach children to eat real foods early on in life — for proper growth, brain development, energy, blood glucose control and many other protective attitudes that will provide long-term benefits, not to mention healthy habit forming, at a young age. Besides, the fact that all members of the family can eat the same foods should make it easier for everyone. The way I teach adults to eat is the same way I teach them to feed their children. The only difference is that children will naturally have smaller portions. Everyone should include quality protein, healthy fat and nutrient dense carbohydrates at every meal and snack. (For more on basic PFC components of healthy eating, click here.) If you enjoy a pan-seared filet of orange ruffy with a side of sautéed vegetables in coconut oil, then why wouldn’t your children? Kids have taste buds too, and they will develop a taste and liking for the foods they are served, just as adults do. If they haven’t been eating this way, then it may take some time, but that’s okay. It’s important to be patient with kids and not to rule out any foods. When it comes to expanding your child’s “food horizon,” telling kids they might not like something is just about the worst thing a parent could do. Have them try everything, and if they don’t like something, keep reintroducing it. It amazes me how many parents tell me, over and over again, that this simple strategy of continually offering healthy foods is astoundingly effective. Having a food around produces familiarity and one day, out of nowhere, the child might decide to just give it a try.

Even if your kids are eating real whole foods, it is important to make sure they aren’t missing out on anything essential to the growth of their brain and body. I recommend getting into the routine of giving your children high-quality vitamin supplements to ensure they are meeting their vitamin and mineral needs. I recommend a daily children’s probiotic and half to one teaspoon of glutamine for gut health, a teaspoon of liquid fish oil and a chewable multivitamin (that can also be crushed and mixed into foods they’re already eating). There’s also a really good fruit punch flavored whole foods powder that can be mixed into yogurt, smoothies or water (in place of juice) for added nutrition. Getting kids to take their vitamins at a young age will form the healthy habit of taking daily vitamins for lifelong nutrition. (You can see all of my vitamin recommendations for kids here.)

As much as I wish raw nuts, plain full fat yogurt, and whole fruits and vegetables were marketed to kids, that’s usually not the case. So, be intentional about teaching your kids why it’s important to eat real, whole, unrefined foods to build strong bodies and smart brains, and save those pre-packaged foods for very rare occasions. Invest some time preparing healthful foods and snacks for your children and yourself, then pat yourself on the back for knowing that you are significantly impacting your child’s health. 🙂 For ideas on snacks for kids, check out this post.

Grab Your 12 Tools Guide Now
PFC Holiday Recipe Guide
Cassie’s 4-Step Model To Build and Scale Your Business, Help More People and Have More Freedom!
Grab Your Copy of The 6 Ways To Grow Email List Guide
7 Ways to Heal Inflammation & Lose the Weight For Good!So you can finally lose weight

(and keep it off!)

Get My Speaking Kit!Let us know where to send the speaking kit so we can get connected!

I'm so excited to share more with you and the chance to speak to your community. This speaking kit will give you an overview of what to expect and what next steps will look like. Simply tell us where to send it, and we'll get it over to you right away!