We’ve all heard people (maybe even our own parents) say "eat everything on your plate" or "drink milk every day." But is this good nutritional advice or just food myths that have been passed down?
To find out, we asked the nutrition team at KinderCare. This is what they had to say about three popular mealtime myths.
MYTH: Join the Clean Plate Club.
REALITY: It’s not a club you have to join.
It’s great to clean your plate when you feel hungry enough for it, but making kids clean their plates can make mealtimes unpleasant. Stressing about your child eating every single bite at each meal will only make for a miserable time — for everyone! Kids intuitively know their bodies — they can enjoy food and drink, see how the food makes them feel, and know when they’re full. By creating in-the-moment awareness and not forcing them to eat more or have a clean plate, you can help them develop healthy relationships with food that will grow with them into adulthood. So, slow down and take a moment to enjoy food together.
MYTH: Certain foods are good, others are bad.
REALITY: It’s about getting a variety of foods.
You may have heard that you have to drink milk and eat green vegetables and proteins for a healthy body and healthy growth. But you know what? It’s actually not that straightforward; it’s much more about finding balance and getting a variety of foods in your daily diet. There isn’t one magical food or food group that will unlock the key to perfect health. That can include treats too!
MYTH: Eating the right amount will help kids reach their ideal weight.
REALITY: Everybody is different; eating is about the individual.
You may have heard that if your child eats a certain amount, they will gain the desired amount of weight. The truth is that not everyone is built the same. Our bodies are different and that is OK. If your child is growing consistently, sleeping well, feeling happy overall, eating a variety of foods and feeling energized for activities and play, then they are likely developing at their own pace — without needing to meet certain requirements that may not be realistic for them.
So, the next time you’re wondering if that nutritional advice you heard might actually be a food myth, check with your pediatrician and read more on KinderCare’s Cooking and Nutrition hub, found at kindercare.com.
NOTE: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult a qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Editor: Carolyn Cassiani
The MTA Advantage is published three times a year as a supplement to MTA Today by MTA Benefits, Inc.
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