Teach Them to Fish

How do you empower your children as you take your family on a journey to better eating and living?

One of my clients recently called me, feeling a bit frustrated. She couldn’t figure out what to feed her picky son. He was stuck in his ways, only eating a handful of familiar foods like chicken nuggets and potato bites. She loved our meal prep options but, when doing the math, creating a separate meal plan for her toddler didn’t quite seem practical, especially when trying to stay on budget. She was dedicated to improving her own health, and she wanted her son to come along for the ride too. But she wasn’t sure how to make it all work.

There’s an old saying: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."
So, I asked her: "Have you involved your son in the process of preparing the meals?"
This simple question is often the key to unlocking a big shift in eating habits. When children are part of creating their meals, something magical happens. They get to touch the ingredients, chop the vegetables, and experiment with flavors. They have a say in what goes in the pot. It’s no longer just a meal, it’s an experience. Kids thrive when they can see the process, get curious about textures, and explore new flavors. They begin to feel empowered, and as a result, they’re much more open to trying new foods.

Teach Your Children to Fish
When we’re working to improve what we eat, it’s essential to involve the whole family in the process. Changing eating habits can be a challenge, especially when family members are merely served meals without being part of the creation process. But when we empower them by letting them choose and prepare the food, we create a sense of ownership and excitement. This investment makes it easier for everyone to buy into the lifestyle changes we’re trying to make as a family.

Here are a few ways you can get your kids (and your family) involved in the journey toward healthy eating:

1. Get Them Involved in Meal Preparation:
Invite family members into the kitchen! Encourage everyone to take part in cooking and meal preparation. This hands-on experience helps foster a positive relationship with food and empowers them to make healthier choices.

2. Let Them Choose:
Give your kids the chance to choose new fruits or vegetables to try each week. This empowers them to explore and be more invested in their food decisions.

3. Serve Meals "Family Style":
Present meals in a communal way—place dishes in the center of the table, allowing everyone to serve themselves. This promotes autonomy, encourages creativity, and helps children feel more in control of their meals.

4. Make Trying New Foods Fun:
Turn meal prep into a fun adventure! Let your kids help create playful recipes and experiment with different ingredients. By making the experience light-hearted and enjoyable, you’ll increase their willingness to try new foods.

The work we put in today sets the foundation for our children’s healthy choices tomorrow. So, I ask you…
Is it challenging to get your kids to try new foods? Do you involve them when you cook or shop for groceries?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Hit reply and let me know, I read every message!

WORK WITH US!

Changing your diet and getting on track can be tough. If you are looking to eat and be healthier but not sure where to start, consider scheduling a BE WELL DISCOVERY CALL to get clarity on your next steps. We are looking forward to supporting you.

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Much love, Essentially Chef Beee 🌱

Your Lifestyle Medicine Health Coach & Plant-Based Chef