Healthy Eating role models for LOs

hopefuldog · August 2014

So DHs family has a history of obesity, type II diabetes, CHF, etc and a much shorter life span. DH has always struggled with his weight. His parents are/were both overweight along with very unhealthy eating habits long term. By no means am I super healthy, but I'd really like to set LO up for healthy eating habits. DH says he doesn't want LO to have weight issues (bc he's always struggled), but I don't think he realizes it starts with him/us.

Does anyone have any references or ideas on how to get him on board? Last night we got into an argument about the salt shaker. He uses SO MUCH SALT, and I said I don't want LO observing that habit. He doesn't think it's a problem. His portion sizes are crazy large also (healthy or unhealthy food).

tl;dr How can I help set LO up for a lifetime of healthy eating? Would love website or book references.

ShePersisted · August 2014

I had a friend use 'red light, green light, eat right'. She said it helped her chose good foods for her kids as they were picky eaters and only were into fast food.

I also suggest looking into consulting with a dietician for your self and your H. I think your insurance may allow it. I'm doing that at the moment and even though weight loss is slow I am able to kick away one bad habit at a time which I think will help in the long run.

MissDemeanor · August 2014

This is something we talk a lot about in our house too. And after spending a week with my bf's parents I can really see where he got his unhealthy habits. I want it stopped withour new generation. For example, only drinking diet coke, juice, etc. I never once saw MIL drink a glass of water, but she thinks it's ok because it's "diet". I was only raised drinking water, and that's still what I drink for the most part.

Another big issue here is portion control. And sides/dips. I don't know of a good book to recommend, but I'm going to try looking at one unhealthy habit at a time. They say it takes 30 days to form a new habit. Is YH a bigger reader or tv watcher? My bf has watched a couple healthy eating documentaries that have helped him look at things differently.

Not to t/j but on a similar note, we're also becoming more aware of other unhealthy behaviours, and the fact that we don't want to model that for LO. Jot speaking politely/respectfully to each other, swearing like sailors, messiness, procrastination, etc. The list here is long!

goobermom · August 2014

This is something DH and I were just taking about the other day! His dad was just diagnosed with type II diabetes and high cholesterol. We are both heavier than we should be. We have decided to stop drinking soda pop at home. I'm also trying to go for a walk everyday. Some days it can be a real struggle though.

Edit: spelling is hard one handed...

JackieP1023 · August 2014

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. And not only about eating habits, about everything (cussing, how people speak to each other, etc). I have tried speaking with MH about it, and he thinks I'm being ridiculous. But, I have struggled with weight all of my life, and still do. MH hasn't. We need to try working on several things (eating healthier, smaller portions-as well as exercising more, being careful what we say, etc).

I will be watching for other input on how to make this transition!

hopefuldog · August 2014

Thanks ladies, glad to know I'm not alone in this struggle. The biggest obstacle is getting him on board and to the effects we have on LO. I guess we need to sit down and have a serious talk when we aren't already frustrated with each other.

And @MissDemeanor‌, there are definitely many things that apply, that DH doesn't get as well (swearing, tv time, phone time, etc).

I'll keep googling to see if I can find something for our idiot SOs! Brainwashing maybe?!

Flyingtoast · August 2014

I have been struggling with this too. Eating healthier and correct portions can also save money(if that motivates them). My issue is he doesn't feel his actions effect her yet so he will change when she is older. :-q

boogerbearoriginal · August 2014

Here's my 2cents on eating/etc. Like everything, kids learn best by modeling our behaviors. They see what we are doing, and assume that's what/how to do things. From the way we talk to each other, to covering our mouths when we cough, to what we eat. They are watching every.little.thing. and they are listening to what we say about everything, including food.

I try very hard to not talk about food as good/bad, because I feel like that sets up a weird relationship with food. My H was given food as a reward and I can see the long term effects on his eating/behavior towards food. So I never associate food with behavior - if LO gets a treat it's just because not due to him being a "good boy" or something. And having a cupcake on your birthday isn't bad, and salt which is often vilified is a necessary nutrient in the human diet and there are risks with not consuming sufficient salt. You can eat too much (and of course too little) of all sorts of vitamins, etc. What helps us is we don't keep chips/cookies/etc in the house on a regular basis but we do have them on occasion. It helps keep those foods as a rare treat rather than an every day item.

I really liked the book "My Child Won't Eat" by Gonzalez. His big message is that our job as parent is to offer healthy choices, and the child's job is to eat (or not).

BB0214 · August 2014

I've struggled with MH for years to get him to eat right and exercise. So has everyone else in his family. There's a family history of heart disease. His excuse has always been that he will make changes when he's ready. His uncle had a massive heart attack this weekend. He always took care of himself and exercised. His uncle is also fairly young (mid 40s). Now H is taking it seriously. I'm not glad that this happened, but I'm glad something happened to open his eyes and see that genetics are not on his side, so he has to take better care of himself to minimize the risk.

Also, our pedi suggested to begin how we want to end up while starting LO on solids. We are doing BLW. For now, we give lean proteins and vegetables. We probably won't begin treats like any sweets or junk until she's at least a year. It helps that I'm in charge of the cooking. My rule is that you eat what I cook, or you don't eat.

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