Herds of researchers are tackling the subject of childhood eating habits, including Jennifer Orlet Fisher, an associate professor in Temple University’s Department of Public Health. Fisher, one of a few in the relatively new field of behavioral nutrition, was recently interviewed by the Denver Post about her research. Fisher says that how we parents eat, what we keep in the pantry and whether healthy foods are fun or forced all affect our children’s perception of food, and what and how much they ultimately eat. Which means as parents, we have the power to help guide our children so that they don’t become part of the millions of children who suffer from excess weight and obesity.

For example, forcing a child to clean his plate or eat all his vegetables will not likely instill an appreciation for vegetables later in life. But allowing the child go get creative with them – like dipping broccoli in ketchup – just might, she says.

Portion control – and a person’s perception of how much is too much – is another factor in childhood eating habits. At dinnertime, do your children see you overfill your plate? Chances are they will learn to do the same.

(One interesting point that sprang from preliminary data from Fisher’s research project, showed that children and adults measured portion sizes differently.  Fisher’s project, which involved observing kids eating pizza, indicated that kids eat less of a pizza when the pizza is cut into a few large slices rather than several smaller slices. This bucks the belief of most adults, who tend to be “unit-eaters” who judge portions by number rather than size. Parents may want to take a cue from this research by pouring drinks in tall but slender glasses and serving dinner on smaller plates to “fool” them into thinking they are consuming more than they really are.)

While research shows future eating patterns develop in the first several years of life, scientists say it is never too late for parents, as their children’s gatekeepers, to start making a more positive difference in how our children perceive food. It just might be the secret to tackling the issue of childhood obesity.

Photo, Flickr, plasticrevolver

Post from: Blisstree

Are Parents Forcing Their Kids to Overeat?

The Measure Up Bowl is a handy dish that measures foods for you, without having to use and dirty separate measuring cups. Simply pour or serve whatever you’re eating and then eat directly from the bowl, whether it’s a snack of mixed nuts or a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs.

They come in two sizes as well, a “classic” size with measurements up to two cups down to 1/2 a cup, perfect for larger meals like soup, salads, fruits and pasta, and a “small” bowl with measurements up to 3/4 cup for light snacks, cereal or ice cream.

There’s a child bowl too that I’m a little leery of, mostly because I don’t think kids need to be worrying about how much they eat, as far as portion control goes (I think a parent can show them how much to put in a regular bowl and maybe supervise). Anyway, I think the two regular bowls are a fantastic idea just the same.

The bowls can be purchased at the Measure Up Store, but in my opinion, they’re not too affordable. One classic bowl will run you $20, and the small bowl is $14, or you can get them both together for $30. I can’t find any pricing information for the children’s bowls, though. The porcelain bowls are all dishwasher and microwave safe.

What do you think? Is this a food “gadget” you’d invest in?

[image used with permission from measure up bowl]

Post from: Blisstree

Easy Portion Control with Measure Up Bowls

I was pretty impressed with how much bacon I can eat for 200 calories, how many apple slices, and how few Gummi Bears. (I love bacon and apples and don’t like Gummi Bears, so it’s a win-win-win for me so far!) What surprises you most from these pictures?

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King

Post from: Blisstree

Visualize Yourself Snacking