Can I Teach My Child To Be A Mindful Eater? Let’s break this down a little. What exactly is a mindful eater?

Most of us know the term “mindfulness”; it has become quite a buzzword. We know that it means being consciously aware of ourselves, our surroundings, and the way we experience the world. So how can this concept inform and shape the decisions our children make around the foods they eat?

How Can I Teach My Child To Be A Mindful Eater?

Teaching our children to be mindful eaters helps them develop respect for food and a deeper connection, which in turn encourages a healthy, long-term relationship with it.

Where should we start with the art of mindful eating?

1. We can start by explaining to our children what exactly mindfulness is and laying the foundation for why mindfulness, in general, is so important.

2. Then, on the back of that, we can guide them in using their senses to explore the world of food in a positive, engaging, and thoughtful manner.

  • Taste – What flavour does it have? Is it salty or sweet, or both? Does the flavour change?
  • Sight – Discuss the colours and shapes. Do the colours change? Use an abell pepper as an example to show how the colours change during the growth period.
  • Smell – What does it smell like? Describe the scent by comparing it to other food items.
  • Touch – When you hold it in your hand, what does it feel like – bumpy, rough, prickly, or smooth? Then, when you eat it, is it crunchy, soft, or chewy?
  • Hearing – when you crack it, cut it, squish it, what sound do you hear?

By using our senses, we can creatively explore the world of food and expand our children’s knowledge and vocabulary.

3. By encouraging them to be part of the process, drawing up menus, shopping for ingredients, cooking, and baking together.

4. By setting the table and eating together, being an example of good eating habits, and creating family traditions around mealtimes.

5. Before beginning the meal, we should remind our children to be thankful for the meal they have. Teach them about where the food actually comes from, and how it’s produced (it’s bizarre that so many children – and perhaps even adults – consume food without ever thinking beyond the grocery store).

6. Speak to them about what hunger means, explaining that sometimes we might be peckish, and that doesn’t require an entire plate of food, maybe just fruit, yoghurt, or a healthy snack.

7. To eat without distractions, put the cell phones down, and turn the TV off.

8. To savour the moment, take time between mouthfuls, put the forks down whilst chewing and have a conversation between bites.

9. Let them dish up for themselves, explaining why portion sizes are so important and why we need to understand the food pyramid.

10. Discuss how incredible the entire process from seeds to harvest is.

Eating a meal should be a savouring experience, not just an energy-inducing moment.

For more tips on having fun in the kitchen with your little sous chef, visit www.n4hk-esar.com.

Disclaimer: This is a paid partnership with Nestle – Nestlé for Healthier Kids

Did you enjoy How Can I Teach My Child To Be A Mindful Eater? Let me know in the comments below, or pop over for a read at Cooking With Your Child An Act Of Love or have a look at this fantastic recipe, Frozen Fruit Lollie