Forbidden foods

How do I role model healthy eating in my home without restricting junk food and if I restrict junk food, is that going to cause problems??


Believe it or not, this is actually a common question or issue for health conscious parents. It is a tough question to answer. I have worked with several moms who do not allow a lot of junk food in their homes, who have always offered healthy snacks and choices to their children and they themselves role model healthy eating. But, many of their kids grow up with some type of eating problem.

So, here is my professional opinion. We live in a culture where “junk” food is accessible even if it is not in your home. When you restrict it completely in your home, your child is likely to get a taste of it outside your home. They then want more of the forbidden, restricted food and tend to overeat it when it is around. On the flip side, if you make it available to your child but educate them on healthy eating and choices, for example, that chocolate is not so great for breakfast because it affects your thinking at school, or inform them that protein helps concentration. I recognize that many kids, even my own, have to test this theory maybe a few times but hopefully they eventually get it.

The goal is to not forbid any food items but provide education on nutrition and guide your children.