by Caroline Sumner

Created on: December 19, 2010

It is a common practice among parents to make multiple meals: one natural, wholesome one for the adults, and a simpler one from a package for the children. It is hard to begrudge anyone for doing this – after all, who has the time or money to cook all natural, all the time, and for the entire family (especially if your children are picky)? Some adults mistakenly believe that since children are naturally healthier and more energetic than grown-ups, as long as they eat something, it does not really matter whether or not it is natural.

This is untrue. Childhood nutrition is absolutely vital, perhaps more important than at almost any other phase in life. Children who do not eat wholesome foods often struggle more in school and deal with more health problems than they would otherwise have done. They are also much more likely to develop unhealthy eating habits, such as consuming more junk and fast food and eating overly large portions.

Children who learn early what “real” food tastes and looks like are often too “spoiled” to be able to enjoy unnatural, processed foods. If a child thinks that a meal should always entail breaded chicken nuggets, French fries, and ketchup, they will carry such lessons well into adulthood. But if a child is taught to eat roasted chicken, baked potatoes, and plenty of greens, they will be more willing to try healthy foods and eat well after they have grown.

Making the right dietary choices is the first step, but eating natural and organic foods is the more vital one. Fruits and vegetables may be available in plenty at the grocery store, but unless they are organic, it is tough to tell whether you will be getting the same nutritional value for your children. Natural foods are those that do not use artificial means to enhance the food’s appearance or taste. For instance, enriched bread might sound healthier, but it is actually more harmful than bread that is made using natural ingredients and methods!

Feeding your children natural foods and teaching them the value of eating healthy, organic foods early will help to ensure that they make good food choices for the rest of their lives. The obesity and obesity-related disease epidemics are steadily on the climb, but by making sure that your children are provided with natural foods, you can help to protect them against such a fate. 

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