In a previous post, I talked about having to “teach” our kids healthy eating habits. I have to admit, I’m having second thoughts about that sentiment. First, Idzie shared her experience with being allowed to choose her own eating choices and that she came to the conclusion, at the ripe age of six, to become a vegetarian. Then, The Organic Sister posted this entry about her son’s eating habits and how he has been free to eat whatever he wants, yet mostly chooses healthfully. I have to remind myself that I came to my (usually) healthy eating habits once I started listening to my body and researching it on my own, not because my parents taught me. I completely agree with Organic Sister’s assertion that food issues are almost always emotional. Yes, refined sugar is chemically addictive, but it can only become so if you eat it habitually. And, since it usually makes you feel like crap, if you listen to your body, you won’t want to eat it habitually.
I am still struggling with my own food issues. Food is one of my main sources of comfort when I’m down or frustrated. My mother has lots of food issues that she has obviously passed down, and I was so fearful that I would do the same to my kids. Therefore, I wanted to “teach” them how food is fuel and what preservatives can do to your body. But, why would that be any better than the restrictions and guilt that my mom used to try to get me to eat healthier than her?
Thanks, Idzie and Organic Sister. I guess I’m still ‘deschooling’ in some areas.
12/11/2009 at 12:43 pm Permalink
Aw thanks for linking me. And I’m glad to be an inspiration. It *is* important to model and discuss (but not nag!) food issues with our children. But ultimately they know better than us when they don’t have all our issues to think about! lol I’m still working thru my “I-hate-to-cook” issues. I want to apporach our nourishment with more gratitude than attitude. LOL
13/11/2009 at 10:25 pm Permalink
I have food issues, too. In my case, though, I didn’t have any food restrictions or nutritional advice from my mom one way or the other. I give my kids lots of nutritional advice, but no restrictions. I’m hoping for the best.