Healthy + Happy #8: Tackling “picky eating”
Leader: Tackling “picky eating”
“Picky eating” is common in young children — and most kids grow out of it — but helping our kids learn to love a variety of healthy foods requires commitment and consistency.
Labeling your child a “picky eater” can become a self-fulfilling prophecy — which is why experts say, “don’t do it.” Their advice? View it as a temporary condition and implement different strategies like these to prevent mealtime battles:
Model behavior you want to see.
Make food fun (play games and make a mess).
Consider a new label (like “brave eating”).
Try food-chaining.
The food industry uses “picky eating” and parents’ corresponding to market special “children’s food,” claiming additional nutritional value. The reality? Your “brave eaters” don’t need it — odds are, they’re already getting enough nutrients and calories.
About half of American parents who identify their kids as “picky eaters” give them supplements that are not tested or approved by the FDA. Pediatricians agree the ideal way for kids to get nutrients is through a well-balanced diet.
The good news: addressing “picky eating” and talking with your kids helps teach food literacy, which empowers them to make informed food choices and boost overall health.
In the News
School food round-up.
The waivers that provided universal meals to all students are set to expire on June 30.
High inflation and disrupted supply chains also continue to affect school lunches.
The response? President Biden is looking for solutions, the USDA is investing $100 million in school food innovation, and many fear the looming consequences. Moms and teachers are preparing to step in and fill the gaps.
Are all sports created equal?
New research suggests team sports may be better for kids’ mental health than individual sports – but others say it depends on the individual and their reasons for participating.
Youth Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) also known as “cage fighting” is on the rise. Some are concerned about the negative impacts (injury risk, glamorizing violence, prioritizing winning over sportsmanship) MMA could have on participants.
Happy Juneteenth!
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and became a federal holiday in 2021.
There are many ways to celebrate this important holiday. Here are a few ideas:
Support black-owned businesses.
Check out Juneteenth-themed events, TV shows, movies and music from Essence and BET.
If you’re in Minneapolis, stop by Life Time’s Juneteenth Movement Event.
Teach your kids about the holiday (e.g., books and other resources).
Events, Happenings and Opportunities
Denver Public Schools Job Opening: Program Specialist, Wellness
Minnesota’s chapter of Girls on the Run needs volunteer coaches for the fall. Learn more.
Have other national events or grant opportunities you'd like us to highlight? Let us know.
We hope you enjoyed Healthy + Happy. As always, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or thoughts.