Our brains collect messages about food and body from very early on. However, young children have had less time to accumulate ideas from the big wide world, and so we thought it would be refreshing to take a look at what kids think about these topics. The children interviewed are between the ages of three and eight years old. We hope you enjoy their insights. :)
What do you think is a healthy way to eat?
Shira: With your mouth closed and not talking and walking while you eat.
Bayla: I think you should have starchy foods at breakfast, lunch, and supper along with three or four fruits or veggies and one or two candies.
Alana: People should eat however much they feel hungry for.
Miriam: Eat something of everything.
Mo: Chicken.
What should someone do if their stomach is full but they still want to eat?
Shira: Tell yourself that you can always have it another day because maybe you're just "eye-hungry".
Miriam: Just don't look at the food.
Alana: They should eat a bit of it now and save the rest for another day.
What should you do if you end up eating too much?
Bayla: Tell yourself it's going to be fine.
Alana: Our bodies can handle it.
Miriam: Say, it's all for the best.
Eli: Tell your mommy.
Mo: Rest.
What should you do if you get a lot of candy at school or parties?
Bayla: Eat one, two, or three right away and save the rest for later.
Ava: Eat one or two that day and save the rest for other days.
Miriam: Eat one and save the rest.
Shira: Don't eat all. Maybe give some to your friends or save some for another day.
Sara: You should save some.
Mo: If your mommy says you should save it, then you have to save it.
What are some ways to enjoy all different kinds of foods?
Mo: Eat.
Shira: Every day eat a few of each kind of food.
Bayla: Practice eating all sorts of foods and then you'll get to enjoy all the types of foods and keep eating them and it'll keep you healthy.
Alana: Choose your favorite foods from different food groups and put them together for a meal. Like eggs, toast with butter, and mango for breakfast.
Miriam: Just taste all of them.
Eli: Don't eat too much of one food.
Sara: Try out new foods.
What should someone do if they're not the same size as their friend?
Bayla: Tell yourself, if I'm skinny, I'm skinny. If I'm fat, I'm fat. It doesn't really matter how big or small you are. It doesn't matter how tall you are or how short you are. It matters how you take care of your body. Don't compare yourself to your friend. Focus on yourself and think, I can just be the best me I can be.
Alana: They should think, This is the way I am and I can't change. It isn't healthy to try and make yourself bigger or smaller by trying to eat too little or too much because it isn't healthy for you.
Miriam: Think it's all for a good reason.
Eli: It's how G-d made them.
Shira: Just like themselves the way they are.