Avoiding Food Addictions in Our Children

There is a new book available, called The End of Overeating. It's author is Dr. David Kessler, former commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration under presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He was curious why people felt compelled to over eat. As a recovered (recovering) over eater and dietitician, I bleive there are many reasons why people over eat. Kessler focuses on the addictive properties of fat, sugar, and salt. I don't disagree with his premiss. Neal Barnard, MD, has published a book also addressing these addictions in his book Breaking the Food Seduction: The Hidden Reasons Behind Food Cravings---And 7 Steps to End Them Naturally. Barnard helps you identify your addictions and how to stop the cravings and start eating healthier foods.

Both books are warning for parents. Our time to help our children become healthy adults is now. They need to be given fresh, unprocessed, basics foods on a regular basis. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes type II, high blood pressure, athlerosclerosis, high cholersterol and osteoporosis occur over a life time. A consistenly healthy diet over a life time can is your best insurance for avoiding all of these conditions. As our eating habits develop from childhood, now is the time to keep your children healthy for a life time.


The occasional high fat, high sugar or high salt food will not have immediate healthy effects on a child. But when you offer food to a child you are establishing taste patterns. Children who are regularly fed highly sweet foods sugh as desserts, candy, juice, soft drinks and cereals will start to expect and demand these tastes to feel satisfied. A child who is regularly given high fat foods such as chocolate, fried foods, and creamy sauces will start to develop a need for these foods. Salt is also addicting, so too much soy sauce, canned soups, processed foods and restaurant foods should be kept to occasional foods to allow children to be satisfied with food not overly salted.

Healthy, nonaddictive foods are simple to serve, many require no cooking-- such as fresh raw fruits and vegetables. Whole wheat breads, brown rice, oatmeal, millet and quinoa are all whole grain foods that children enjoy. Beans, nuts and seeds are also loaded with nutrients and their fats are healthy for growing children. Seafood, especially salmon is full of important nutritients for children and adults. Low fat dairy products such as low fat milk, low fat cottage cheese, mozerrella and parmesan cheese are healthy dairy choices. If you are a meat lover, enjoy low fat meats in resonable portions (a portion is the size of a deck of cards) one or two times a day. An occasional egg is good for you as well. Eat you foods prepared simply, without sauce or salt. Really taste the food. Enjoy it. Don't let your child become an addict