Why does food language matter?
There’s no denying that some foods provide more nutrition than others, but when we demonize less nutritious foods or label foods as ‘bad’, ‘unhealthy’ or ‘junk’, it can negatively impact our child’s relationship with food.
This can lead to feelings of guild or shame for eating or even wanting those foods. Kids may also internally label themselves as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ based on their food choices. Moving away from these labels allows kids to feel confident in their food choices and learn to enjoy a variety of foods on their own.
The way we talk to our kids about food and nutrition can have a lasting impact on their health. Kids may not know what ‘good for you’ or, healthy, means. Finding ways to talk about food and nutrition to kids in a way they understand, can create positive associations with those foods without attaching moral value to it.
Instead of...
"Carrots are good for you."
Try... “Orange foods have vitamin A in them. Vitamin A keeps our eyes working well so we can see in the dark.”
Instead of...
"Blueberries are healthy."
Try... "Purple and blue foods have antioxidants in them that keep our brain strong."
Instead of...
"Eat your greens."
Try... "Green foods have prebiotics in them that feed the helpful bugs in our gut. The bugs keep us from getting sick."
Instead of...
"Cookies are bad for you."
Try... "Some foods do a few things in our bodies and some foods do a lot of things in our bodies. Cookies are fun to make and taste yummy."
Instead of...
"Chips are unhealthy."
Try... "Some foods give us quick energy and other foods give us long-lasting energy. Chips don't give us long-lasting energy, but they are fun to eat."
Nutrition Services Team 204-856-2055