Bad Food Eating Children

As if there's not enough fear around the lives of our children, now the NYTimes reports there's an increasing number afraid of "bad" food.

I agree with the experts that say obsession with food is a symptom, and the parents of these children need to be educated about that. They think they're protecting their children from unhealthy eating habits, but in reality are creating a foundation where fear, anxiety and paranoia can easily be triggered for just about anything.

A child's fear of food is typically learned, and to counter it requires an overhaul of the mindset in the child's environment. A calm and composed attitude about what you don't want your kids to eat, and excitement about what you do, is the easiest way to counter that fear. It's really not about food.

Children are highly sensitive to the emotions around them and develop fears quite easily. If they have people around them placing a lot of negative attention and emotion to certain foods, then it's no surprise where their fear is coming from.

Healthy eating habits, just like etiquette and language are learned practices from our home environment. Habits become "stamped" in our bodies, so that instant recall gets easier as we age.

When it comes to nutrition, let's create a practice where we place excitement and joy on wholesome foods, and give little to no attention to our idea of "bad" food. Bring healthful snacks with you everywhere, and make it feel as a normal as taking your keys, or getting the mail.

I see people in my practice all the time with food obsessions that feel like they have missed out on the joys of life, destroyed relationships, and basically drained their energy on a daily basis as a result of avoiding "bad" food.

Let's help our children development lifelong healthy nutritional habits as they grow into adulthood by creating that for them now.

It's the Economy's Fault

Every day you hear of people losing their jobs, homes, stuff... everything that represents safety and security in our culture. The collective consciousness right now has a lot fear.

While you may or may not be directly affected by this current turmoil, you can still get caught up in it in a subconscious way.

One way we do this is by eating, drinking, smoking... over-consuming more than usual. I'm hearing less and less people say they REALLY want to stop. Actually, I see people carrying on more openly than usual and making excuses for it.
What's the going on?

It's not ALL in your mind. It's in your body too!

The mind-body collaboration becomes very obvious during times like this... high stress, fear, and uncertainty. It's a great opportunity to tune in quietly and ask "why am I harming my self right now". If you're truly tuned in, you will get an answer in the form of an image, a movie or a feeling. If you come up blank, you can learn more here.

For me... I feel a greater need to stay grounded and focused on my goals. There's an energy that wants to pull to me to dark side... only means I have to work a little harder on my daily practice.

What are you doing right now to cope with these changing times? Looking back within the past year, do you feel you're treating your body better, worse, or the same? I'd love to hear about it.