Journey to Natural Health

One of my biggest struggles with the change to eating whole foods is feeling like I always have to say no to my children. A little over a year ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated to buy them a chocolate bar or ice-cream after school, but now I cannot bring myself to say yes!

We have made the conscious decision not to ban anything from our kids. What I have tried to do instead, is to educate my children on how our body works and what happens to it when we eat unhealthy food. I have been pleasantly surprised with how well all 3 of my kids have adjusted to the changes. At the age of 10, the girls have a pretty good understanding of how their bodies work and I ask them to listen to their bodies and how they feel when they have eaten sugary snacks or “junk” food.

I am often asked “do they binge on junk food when you’re not around?”. My answer is “maybe!” There is so much temptation out there for them and I can’t always be there to help them make the right choices, nor do I expect to be. My children are intelligent and independent souls who thrive on being able to make decisions for themselves. They have been at birthday parties where they have eaten standard party food, occasionally to excess, but I figure that if I can make the food at home as healthy as possible, their bodies will be able to withstand the occasional onslaught of rubbish.

I often talk to my 4 year old about making good choices and he prides himself of choosing to eat his “proper” lunch before a snack (albeit a healthy, home-made one). He will still ask for things occasionally and my response is usually “how about we try to make it at home”. Then we buy the ingredients and make all kinds of creations together (some have not ended well), but the majority of our attempts have been ok!

My advice to anyone at war with their kids about eating healthier foods, is to start by educating them (and yourself) about their bodies and what they need to feel great.

Good luck!