Cook Dinner to avoid Eating Disorders in Teens

[Ceres]

Its one of those "duh" things generations before us all did and other countries still do: make dinnertime a family ritual. Now a study has been done that shows it works to prevent eating disorders:
http://health.lifestyle.yahoo.ca/channel_health_news_details.asp?news_id=13579&news_channel_id=131&channel_id=131

[RainInanna]

I always find it amusing when scientific studies provide evidence for what we should know as common sense.

Pushing diets probably won't help. Neither will teasing about weight. Instead parents should focus on having frequent family meals, creating a positive atmosphere at mealtimes, promoting physical activity and building self-esteem, the researchers recommend.

Of course we should try to promote healthy, positive attitudes about food and exercise rather than tease kids or put them on diets. Ugh.

[RoseKitten]

Of course we should try to promote healthy, positive attitudes about food and exercise rather than tease kids or put them on diets. Ugh.

See, I'm a waitress, and I see a lot of very young (1st and 2nd grade and younger) asking for diet this or low fat that with their moms nodding and telling them "good, you don't need to gain any more weight!" It's sick.

Or, in my own family, some of us kids get/got teased (like me) for gaining weight. I'm really glad to be away from my family, because since I did my self image has gotten so much better.

[Ceres]

Wow - thats awful that little girls are ordering diet food! My daughter tells me low calorie or low fat foods are all she finds in friend's houses, but then they eat horrid diets with instant and over processed everything.

[Lyrien]

I think it's sad when parents force weight/food issues on to their children. Even if your child's weight is to an unhealthy level, there are plenty of ways to change their eating without them even knowing it.

However, I will say that advertising has more to do with my eight year old wanting to order diet coke at a restaurant than anything. We don't drink soda at home and I don't drink it at all, nor does he feel he's overweight. (he's not) But he still tries to order diet coke every time we go out. /sigh

Hrm, I wonder if it's because it doesn't taste as sweet? He's not a big sweet eater, actually prefering broccoli over chocolate. /faint
Hrmmmm... I hadn't thought of that.

[Tanya]

I focus very heavily in my house on being 'strong' My daughter just watched Eragon yesterday and was thrilled Safira was a girl.... I try to fill the house and 'pop' culture of her world with 'strong' women.... Mulan is her newest hero.... screw Barbie... she can't kick! We are also big fans of Miss Bicana ('cause she's smart, AND good looking)

Its not just about the food, its about creating a positive self image that's not about what she does or doesn't eat...

I don't allow foods to be lableled 'good ' or 'bad' because that just encourages abusive behavior... its all about...'strong' As in, "eat up so you grow big and strong."

and "sweets are nice, but they don't make you strong as eating beans."

I have totally chucked away all this low fat crap.... how about just eating o reasonable portion of the good stuff?

when did eating beome so fraut with guilt?

have a little butter and shut up!

the other end is exercise....I'm trying to teach my daughter that its a non-negotiable physical need like sleep, food and time to go to the toilet.... all are part of the 'normal' pattern of life in our house...as in 'we've got to squeeze in some exercise before dinner, lets go for a quick walk, it will make us feel sooo strong and good....."

finally, lets not forget the link between screen timeand obese kids.... 90 minutes a day for a 5 year old MAX....the rest of the time I want to see her running around, digging, chasing the ducks... or involved in some other project that gets her moving.