toddler feeding: presenting sweet foods

tackling the topic of presenting sweet foods to toddlers

Can you spot the difference in how these two presentations come off to your toddler here? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In the first scenario you’re elevating the foods you’ve chosen to serve for lunch over the cookie. not only does this make the cookie MORE alluring to your toddler, but the implied message starts to lay a foundation for labeling foods as “good” and “bad.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Instead, decide how often you feel comfortable serving these foods (a few times a week, every other day, etc.) and serve them alongside other foods at meals and snacks. this helps them to see that all foods fit and gives them the freedom to choose what makes them feel best.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If all they choose to eat is the cookie, that’s their choice! every eating experience is a chance for them to learn what foods they like, what tastes good, makes them feel good (or not), etc. it’s okay to allow them that room to explore those lessons. nutrient deficiencies don’t happen overnight, your toddler will be okay if they go a meal (or five!) without a perfect mix of nutrients. they’re learning what works for their bodies through lived experience (versus being told by you), which can be very powerful.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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By taking this approach, you’re not only helping create a positive and peaceful relationship with food for your kids, but helping bolster their trust in their internal signals. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It won’t be long before our toddlers are exposed to all kinds of messaging around food that’s outside of our control. doing what you can early on to teach them that they can trust their bodies to regulate their intake without external rules is a great way to help them combat the harmful messages of diet culture down the road.

disclaimer: The above assumes no medical issues or concerns. The content that I share in this space should be used for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for medical advice and does not constitute a client/practitioner relationship.

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