Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

healthjunkie — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:32:21 GMT

We have taught our kids to choose healthy food over junk which they have demonstrated that they understand why. But, our biggest challenge is their outside influences (friends, school, TV, etc...) Our 9-year who I thought seemed to have the biggest understanding (reads labels, explains why McDonald's is not good for you, etc...) was recently interviewed by a market research firm. I was shocked to learn that when they asked what was her favorite drink, she happily replied "Sprite!". We would only allow soda on special occasions. I know they are kids and going to want to try junk when they have the opportunity (which I think some parents don't think is happening), but I hope that what we are teaching will have a long-term affect on them.

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

SithMaster88 — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:28:45 GMT

The best snack for your kids is...exercise. Keep them active. Children who are bored are more likely to eat snacks than kids who are very active. However, kids will be kids, and it's important for parents to set the example when it comes to healthy eating. Encourage healthy snacks as often as possible. For the kid who prefers cookies over raisins, this can be a challenge. My solution would be to home-make your cookies and instead of packing the cookies with sugar, M&Ms, and chocolate; substitute with raisin, cinnamon, and almonds instead.

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

C Ed Wright — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:27:45 GMT

Let's see: If I understood correctly, the British just discovered, by conducting an elaborate experiment, that when you restrict something, people -- after all, children are simply very young PEOPLE -- tend to crave that which is restricted. Especially when they get to stare at it while waiting for it. (Or watching someone else enjoy what you don't have, which is why it is rude to savor something without sharing or if you can't share.) Quick, show of hands: Who didn't already know this?

Ah. Very nearly almost one.

What amazes me most at times is the fact that as ridiculous as all the drivel-babble from our Hollywood-centric Mad Morons of Modern Mainstream Media (M5) is, tiny little Britain can out-stupid them every time. Plus, instead of just making it up as they go along M5-style, they have a miraculous talent for making their elaborate discovery of the obvious into news we didn't need because it was so obvious -- just imagine when they suddenly discover that the Earth is round!

But the most annoying aspect is that they can't even say it right; one has to strain to make sense of their peculiar version of "English" whether or not their variety of "logic" makes sense to the sensible.

Which also makes M5's infatuation with Australo-Cockney-speaking characters even more baffling. And annoying.

Generally, whenever I hear Britobabble I simply switch channels or, if just a temporary interruption, I thank God (& Silicon Valley) for the Mute button, both to divert the nonsense and to spare myself the annoyance of hearing stupidity that's so much more egregious than M5's usual vapid ravings.

Trust me on this: if you do likewise, you'll miss absolutely nothing of value or interest. Like this "study".

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

USMom68 — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:58:42 GMT

My husbands great grandfather lived to over 100. I asked him what his secret is and he said "moderation" with everything. It's when a want becomes a need...it tips the scale out of balance.

When my kids watch all those commercials on tv and I hear a "mmmm. that sounds good", I just let them know that the marketeers out there successfully "hooked" them in. Kids will learn if parents continually point out what the tv offers in terms of "healthy eating" (har).

"What you resist...persists" is something I will forever teach my children. The more junkfood is resisted, the more their craving or it persists.

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

Masonsmama — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:09:51 GMT

I'm not sure this video accurately depicts what happens when you forbid food... but the point, as many have stated over and over, is that it's WHAT is offered as a snack and not having junk food in the house. I am not perfect at the no processed foods: my son loves those nutritiously void gold fish crackers thanks to a "well-meaning" friend and the poor choices she gives her son. But, overall, I do fairly well both with my diet and his (improvement in mine is needed, as even with EFT, I still struggle with a terrible sweet tooth. I'm working on it). What blows my mind is the crap I take from other parents for not giving my son (who is not quite 20 months) french fries and sugary treats. I've been told I'm too controlling for having him on a routine schedule and offering only healthy foods. I've been told a lot of things, but I BELIEVE it is my responsibility to teach my son healthy eating habits. He eats 5 times a day, as do I. I make sure he gets a protein and a carb, even at snack times. And frankly, I have seen how my moods have improved eating healthier, and I watch my friends' with their "hyperactive, uncontrollable, strong willed" (to quote them, not my opinion) children (of course they are loaded up on HFCS and other crap). I do my best to teach, not judge, but find that most people do not want to hear about it. AT ALL! It breaks my heart, my niece is morbidly obese with several adult health issues. I have sent her mom many mercola articles... I guess, just as with myself, people change only when they are ready. My son is extremely healthy, active no TV, outside playing, and very very happy with a wonderful sense of humor. I have to believe I'm doing something right :)

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

luvbees — Sun, 04 May 2008 04:29:54 GMT

I want to see what happens if the put m&m's in the bowl instead of mangos. Do you really think the kids will still want raisins? :) kidding!!!

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

flbooks7 — Sat, 03 May 2008 20:19:57 GMT

What has worked with my children is teaching them about what is good for you and why and what unhealthy food does to you. I go into a lot of detail about it and it's amazing what kids retain. I have also gone to a lot of trouble to find good recipes for healthy things. When I was a child, women usually cooked vegetables too long and then poured sauce over them or smoothered them in butter. No wonder kids grew up not liking vegetables! My kids love them! They also have learned to read food labels and love to catch me buying something that has an unhealthy ingredient in it. I thank them and they are so pleased with themselves.

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

Darth Chaos — Sat, 03 May 2008 19:20:01 GMT

"If your child hates a certain vegetable, don’t force them to eat it."

Well, you can always sneak in these vegetables into other foods.

BTW Dr. Mercola, this is one of the best articles I have seen on this site. Keep up the great work!

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

ShannonR — Sat, 03 May 2008 18:58:05 GMT

I think that this contributes to a discussion about classical conditioning. Pavlov proved that the conditioned responses are stronger if there is an intermittent conditioning stimulus. If you are consistent with your child, as far as the attitude about moderation, then they will tend to understand that the "forbidden fruit" is not forbidden, it should just be enjoyed in moderation. After all, we do not live in a bubble. If we teach our children why they should respond in certain ways to certain food/snacks/beverages, then they will understand how to respond and it will manifest in healthy attitudes and habits. As mentioned above (and as experienced personally) what is forbidden will soon be brought to fruition. It's the oldest story in human history... "eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and bad". It's human nature to seek what we do not know.

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

nancyrx — Sat, 03 May 2008 18:48:22 GMT

I don't buy junk food, other than occassionally "healthy"-type chips/blue corn tortillas (organic) to eat with sandwiches, etc.- no candy, soft drinks, processed treats. I constantly remind my children ( ages 10 and almost 7) what types of food is healthy and why (they'll often ask: "does this have Vitamin C, or calcium?",etc), as well as what types of food/beverages are not and why (aspartame, MSG, trans fats,etc). I explain that while they may think something tastes good, it doesn't mean it is good for you, and these foods should be eaten only rarely. I also don't want to "forbid" totally , as this tends to make them want it more/sneak it when able,etc. My major delimma is availability at school, ballgames,etc. Teachers even generously give out candy as rewards. When all of the other kids are eating it and their parents don't mind, and even encourage it by buying it (and eating it themselves!)Our school has vending machines, which I despise! Some kids eat this junk everyday for lunch, snacks, at home,ballgames, etc -it's no wonder we have so many children, and young adults with health issues we never heard about until at least mid-life to elderly. I would like advice in how other parents handle these situations without appearing "holier-than-thou" in front of the others, as they look like "what's the big deal??" Obviously, if it's being sold, the FDA (*#@!%$&*)must think it's OK, so what could be wrong with it???!!!

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

alm260 — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:46:37 GMT

Give kids a choice. If your child hates a certain vegetable, don’t force them to eat it. Offer a range of healthy foods, and always offer your child a choice between two healthy snack options. This way, they’ll still feel like they got to decide what to eat.

This point mentioned in the above comments is a good one. When you force a child to eat something and they feel they have no say or control over, it may cause them to rebel even more. I've always heard that getting kids involved, (like when you go grocery shopping and giving them choices between different veggies to buy - if they get to pick it out, they will be more likely to eat it when it's served at the dinner table) is the best bet.

When I was growing up, our families meals were not healthy at all and we rarely ate together. It affected my physical health. My best friend use to come over and drink soda because it wasn't allowed in her home.

It's more important to teach kids about wise choices than to demand that they never have junk. There's going to be temptations around them (like when they go to a friends house or rewards at church/sunday school). Also, if you're kids don't become addicted to sugar, they probably won't desire much of it when it is offered (their bodies won't be use to it). We also have to make sure we are feeding our kids according to their metabolic type (especially as they get older and you can figure this out more) so that they won't crave stuff they shouldn't have.

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

planethealth — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:42:42 GMT

i am so happy to read your tips on "training" kids to eat healthy. I was raised with whole organics, garden grown foods. It was a once a year treat to go to mcdonalds. I feel media, children's tv channels, and tv are what create the monster of an out shape diet in the adult first of all, and then the child follows suit by example from there loving parents. Get a hold of your own diet too. The Adult can also learn these techniques if they are out of shape with their diet by incorporating small amounts of raw whole foods and building it up and up.

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

tmbtth — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:13:20 GMT

We homeschool our children (13+8). We used to make the kids eat all their veggies but I became tired of sitting there all night. So we now use the ,"no thank you helping" strategy. On specificly known veggies that are disliked we will give a 1-2 bite portion on their plate. If there is complaining or shall I say noises being made over it then the portion wil be increased. Wow, what peace we have at the table.

Its amazing how many mmmmmmm.... you hear-lol. They have even asked for more on occasion. Now instead of hearing ,"I don't like..." we hear ,"I don't care for...". We also have a garden and it is amazing how much it helps when they grow their own food. I do believe that if you talk to your children about good food choices and generally make good choices at home and away that you can't go too wrong. Don't get me wrong, I will allow an ice cream cone now and then (1-2 times per month in summer) but they know that nothing beats homemade ice cream with raw milk and fresh fruit. My daughter blows people away when we have to make a stop at a deli. She will order pesto,spinach, tomatoes, lettuce, etc.She loads up the veggies! I am very proud. My 8 year old will only load up on onions, tomatoes,and only 3-4 leaves of spinach on his but hey he is only 8! Just dont give up!

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

BMitch — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:26:29 GMT

We're in between on this one at our house... we do model good eating habits and only serve nutritious whole foods to ourselves and our 3 sons (10, 7, 3). But it is remarkable how many opportunities there are for them to eat junk! We homeschool and barely watch TV, so I can't even imagine how it would be if they were exposed to even more. Our basic strategy has been, as Mr. Berglund suggested, to continue serving the meal they don't like until they eat it... it's the next thing that goes in their mouth, no matter how long they put it off. We've been amazed at the things they are beginning to enjoy, let alone be able to tolerate without gagging!

The other component of our strategy is to give them 3 passes each week that they can "spend" on any food that does not meet the whole-foods criteria. So if they have a birthday party on Friday, we'll let them know about it on Sunday and have them be sure to save two treat passes if they want both cake and ice cream on Friday. If they choose to waste a pass on something spontaneous, they often regret it later! In an ideal world, they wouldn't even want to have 3 treats a week, but this has not been our reality. We have found it's better to explain nutrition thoroughly (I'm even paying my 10 year-old now to read books I choose), and teach the value of moderation. The passes force my kids to learn to make wise choices and delay gratification. Furthermore, I never have to make arbitrary "yes or no" decisions on the spot anymore... it's always, "Do you have a treat pass to spend for that?" and then it's in their court. Incidentally, the 3 year-old doesn't get treat passes yet... they only became necessary as the outside influences grew.

Funny thing... when I asked my 7 year-old recently whether he thinks he'll eat like we do when he grows up, he said he definitely wants to eat healthy foods, but he thinks he'll probably have 4 treat passes a week instead of 3! I'd consider that success. :)

re: Does Forbidding Snacks Work?

smb56 — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:20:45 GMT

I forgot to mention- my children are all grown now, and have started raising their babies. They all love healthy food, to this day reaching for vegetables and fruits and passing on sweets.