Dr Nick Fuller, an authority on health and obesity from the University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, notes that one of the major hurdles for today’s parents is figuring out which foods are best suited for their kids in our current era.
"We're living in an environment where businesses aim to make money off what we give our children to eat, promoting inaccurate and harmful guidance for both us and them," he stated.
There’s an incessant flow of guidance, a lot of which is obsolete or simply incorrect, being disseminated by high-profile celebrities or viral social media personalities.
Dr. Fuller emphasized that it was crucial for parents to follow guidance from healthcare experts to "future-proof" their children's diets and eating habits. He also shared the five types of food he would avoid giving his own children.
1. Coconut oil
Dr. Fuller referred to coconut oil as "one of the greatest marketing ploys of the 21st century" and stated that it should not be included in a child's diet.
"Approximately 80 percent of coconut oil consists of saturated fats," stated Dr. Fuller.
That’s why once you purchase it, it remains firm at room temperature.
It has been demonstrated to increase our low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly referred to as 'bad' cholesterol. This can lead to blocked arteries and cause heart attacks.
Dr. Fuller advised parents and caregivers to opt for olive oil and canola oil instead of coconut oil, as these options are rich in unsaturated fats that can enhance a child’s cardiovascular well-being.
2. Almond milk
Dr. Fuller stated that almond milk, produced by blending almonds with water, is not a suitable alternative for infant formula, toddlers, or older children.
He mentioned that almond milk has low protein content, comes with a high price tag, and might include additives like stabilizers, emulsifiers, and occasionally even vegetable oils.
"He mentioned that you'll come across some brands that aresweetened with additional sugar," she stated.
Dr. Fuller suggested that parents choose cow's milk instead, referring to it as the "gold standard" due to its considerably higher protein content compared to nut milks.
"He mentioned that it's an excellent provider of calcium and vitamin D, essential nutrients for strong bones," she stated.
It also includes iodine, aiding in proper thyroid health and effective weight management.
Dr. Fuller suggested lactose-free cow's milk for children with a confirmed lactose intolerance, and for those with a known dairy allergy, he advised opting for calcium-fortified soy milk.
3. Butter
Dr. Fuller suggested that parents opt for extra virgin olive oil or avocado as spreads rather than using butter or margarine.
He mentioned that avocado and extra virgin olive oil provide "significantly greater nutritional advantages," which include enhancing heart health and warding off diseases in the future.
"It may appear wild initially, but I consistently advise parents to try it out since they'll discover that these nutritious treats often turn into something their kid ends up adoring," Dr. Fuller stated.
4. Low-fat yoghurt
Even though low-fat items decreased kids' consumption of saturated fats — an improvement in theory — all saturated fats weren’t the same, according to Dr Fuller.
He stated that studies indicated saturated fats present in milk and other dairy products such as yogurt and cheese did not have negative effects on heart health and could potentially enhance it.
He suggested steering clear of low-fat yogurt due to potential high amounts of added sugars, and advised choosing a full-fat version instead.
"And, if you'd like, include natural sweeteners such as fruits or honey," he suggested.
5. White bread
Dr Fuller mentioned that white bread has been processed to such an extent that it retains minimal nutritional value, if any at all.
He mentioned that white bread lacks essential vitamins and minerals, and its insufficient fiber content means it won’t keep kids satiated for extended durations, leading them to potentially consume too much food.
"The general guideline is to purchase wholemeal bread for children under two years old because grains pose a choking risk," Dr. Fuller stated.
Following that, choose wholegrain bread for children older than two years.
Ways to Manage Picky Eaters
Dr Fuller mentioned that, as a parent himself, he was well aware of the challenges associated with handling picky eaters. He suggested engaging kids in grocery shopping and cooking meals to help address this issue.
"It’s certain to pique their curiosity about the dish they will prepare, making them more inclined to sample it," Dr Fuller explained.
Dr. Fuller suggested removing distractions such as televisions and smartphones during mealtimes to help kids concentrate on exploring and enjoying novel dishes. Additionally, he advised parents not to use food as an incentive or disciplinary tool.
“Many parents have found themselves in this situation, swapping the allure of a delicious dessert for just two additional mouthfuls of veggies,” he explained.
But this behaviour merely fosters negative connections with nutritious food items.
Ultimately, Dr. Fuller advised that parents should continue to encourage their children to sample new foods repeatedly over time.
"Studies indicate that it may require between eight to 10 exposures for someone to be willing to consume a new fruit or vegetable," he explained.
Additional details regarding Dr. Fuller’s latest publication, "Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids," which outlines six straightforward guidelines concerning nutrition, physical activity, and restorative sleep to assist parents in cultivating new wellness practices within their household, can be found. here.
