Are we all 'skinny challenged' compared to the world?

[Pea-n-Me]

And here’s an opinion from a Registered Dietician with our friends The British Heart Foundation:

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informations...ne/nutrition/ask-the-expert/plant-based-diets

Should I switch to a plant-based diet?​

For a diet to be plant-based it needs the majority of the food included to come from plant sources, and we should all be eating more foods like fruit and vegetables, wholegrains and plant-based sources of protein like beans, lentils, nuts and seeds.

But that doesn’t mean this way of eating can’t include any food from animal sources. Plant-based diets include a range of dietary patterns and both the traditional Mediterranean diet and the UK government’s Eatwell guide can be described as plant-based, even though they may also still contain some meat, fish and dairy products. However, a vegan diet which excludes all animal products would also be an example of a plant-based diet.

So switching to a plant based diet doesn’t necessarily need to mean a radical change to your eating habits. A Mediterranean-style diet, which includes plenty of fruit, veg, pulses and fish, and only small amounts of meat, may be easier to follow than a strict vegan diet. It’s also linked to lower rates of heart disease than a conventional Western diet.

However, a vegan diet may suit some people and when well-balanced this can also be a healthy way to eat. But the more foods that we exclude from our diets, the harder it is to balance our eating. So, if it’s going to be a long-term change to veganism, rather than the odd meal, make sure you understand what you need to include in your diet to get the range of nutrients that you need.

Remember, plant-based foods also aren't automatically healthy. Too much saturated fat, sugar and salt from any source can harm your health. There are an increasing number of manufactured plant-based snack foods available, from cupcakes and coconut yoghurts to vegan burgers, pizzas and nuggets. It’s still important to read food labels and understand what you are eating.

 

[TheIncredibles!]

Ok, so what is the incidence of children like you describe if they aren't rare?

Also, I'm not sure why someone would need to look at a child and make a determination if they are allowed to be picky. Parents usually know their child best and can work with them to have the best diet possible. And if there are other issues (sensory or other) then they should be consulting the appropriate specialist to get the best course of action.

You could try proving your point that eating disorders are rare instead. That children are RARELY rejecting foods for any type of issue beyond the fact that they are a product of poor parenting.

 

[Chili327]

I agree with this, but I would also add Super Size to the bolded, ie portion sizes have practically doubled in the past 50 years.

I think I just heard/read 2.4x. It is crazy, & also definitely a factor. More food means moving more product. $$$
And compared to food 100 years ago, the product isn't the same its been modified to produce more, & grow faster, & that equals less nutrients, just empty bulk in our bodies.

 

[gmi3804]

You could try proving your point that eating disorders are rare instead. That children are RARELY rejecting foods for any type of issue beyond the fact that they are a product of poor parenting.

Or that, let's face it, some kids are just brats* and only want what they want and they know their harried parents would rather give in and give their kids junk than have to parent. Again, if they're* hungry, they'll* eat.

*Not the ones with real "issues."

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm in a diabetes-prevention class, and a big part of it is teaching us how to eat a healthier diet. Just the other day, our teacher was telling us that they're currently working on the first class just for children because rates of obesity and poor eating habits are really skyrocketing among children.

 

[tink2424]

You could try proving your point that eating disorders are rare instead. That children are RARELY rejecting foods for any type of issue beyond the fact that they are a product of poor parenting.

Ok, I'm not sure what we are arguing about anymore?? I think the situation your child has is probably rare (less than 5% of children?? maybe?) and I don't think that is what most of us are talking about and that is the point I was making that eating disorders are rare. Especially ones that are very extreme.

I never said that kids rarely reject food due to poor parenting so maybe you misunderstood my point. Many parents are not giving their kids healthy/nutritious food on a daily basis. And many will take the easy way out and just capitulate to whatever the kid wants to not have to deal with them. Those are the parents that are not doing their children any favors.

Any parent trying to do the right thing for their child is doing a good job. Period. That is all.

 

[Christine]

Ok, I'm not sure what we are arguing about anymore?? I think the situation your child has is probably rare (less than 5% of children?? maybe?) and I don't think that is what most of us are talking about and that is the point I was making that eating disorders are rare. Especially ones that are very extreme.

I never said that kids rarely reject food due to poor parenting so maybe you misunderstood my point. Many parents are not giving their kids healthy/nutritious food on a daily basis. And many will take the easy way out and just capitulate to whatever the kid wants to not have to deal with them. Those are the parents that are not doing their children any favors.

Any parent trying to do the right thing for their child is doing a good job. Period. That is all.

I'll chime in on this one. I was probably one of those parents. I worked full time, I was harried in the evening to get a meal together sometimes, and often my kids were eating chicken nuggets just to get something quick and easy on the table. And the more I did that sort of thing, the "pickier" they got on eating healthy food when I did have the time to cook it. It continued on and on and on until I really had to pull back. I knew it was "me" and our lifestyle.

I know many other people in my circle in the same situation who actually probably dined out 4-5 nights a week (eating or carryout). I mean they thought they were being healthy with "Panera" and similar places but once you start eating that way, when you try to eat a basic meal at home it lacks the salt/fat combo and it is really unappealing. Kids rebel.

That said, there are other issues that go much further. Going back into the 1960s when we NEVER went out, my cousin who is the same age as me and we were pretty much around each other daily, vomited after eating eggs. Psychologically, she associated eggs as being yellow, yellow is bad and she will not eat anything yellow (I mean she'd eat yellow candy) but she won't eat eggs, cheese, that sort of thing. Won't eat mayo. For some reasons she won't touch onions. It's a very strange grouping that she's super picky about and she has NEVER gotten past it. Yet she'll eat many types of seafood, beets, carrots, turnips, lots of things many other people don't like.

Anyway there is a difference and I think most of know that when we see it, but I do know people make snap judgements at Disney when kids are hardlined on food and their parents want to know the best places for XXX food for 7 nights. I've actually read so much of these--I don't think they all have a rare food aversion, but I absolutely agree it exists.

 

[tink2424]

I'll chime in on this one. I was probably one of those parents. I worked full time, I was harried in the evening to get a meal together sometimes, and often my kids were eating chicken nuggets just to get something quick and easy on the table. And the more I did that sort of thing, the "pickier" they got on eating healthy food when I did have the time to cook it. It continued on and on and on until I really had to pull back. I knew it was "me" and our lifestyle.

I know many other people in my circle in the same situation who actually probably dined out 4-5 nights a week (eating or carryout). I mean they thought they were being healthy with "Panera" and similar places but once you start eating that way, when you try to eat a basic meal at home it lacks the salt/fat combo and it is really unappealing. Kids rebel.

That said, there are other issues that go much further. Going back into the 1960s when we NEVER went out, my cousin who is the same age as me and we were pretty much around each other daily, vomited after eating eggs. Psychologically, she associated eggs as being yellow, yellow is bad and she will not eat anything yellow (I mean she'd eat yellow candy) but she won't eat eggs, cheese, that sort of thing. Won't eat mayo. For some reasons she won't touch onions. It's a very strange grouping that she's super picky about and she has NEVER gotten past it. Yet she'll eat many types of seafood, beets, carrots, turnips, lots of things many other people don't like.

Anyway there is a difference and I think most of know that when we see it, but I do know people make snap judgements at Disney when kids are hardlined on food and their parents want to know the best places for XXX food for 7 nights. I've actually read so much of these--I don't think they all have a rare food aversion, but I absolutely agree it exists.

Its so true!! And how many of us struggle to make meals even for ourselves let alone kids/spouses. It would be great if we could all be 1 working parent/significant other households where one could be home making things from scratch all day long. That just isn't the case.

That being said most of us could do better to eat healthier and avoid all the garbage. I just signed up for Hungryroot as I love that I can customize the recipes as I am a picky eater, always have been. I am getting my first delivery tomorrow. But it is difficult for most families and then you have the issues of food deserts and things. It isn't easy.

 

[disneyseniors]

I think I just heard/read 2.4x. It is crazy, & also definitely a factor. More food means moving more product. $$$
And compared to food 100 years ago, the product isn't the same its been modified to produce more, & grow faster, & that equals less nutrients, just empty bulk in our bodies.

I always buy a children's meal, as the regular ones are way too big for me at fast food places.

 

[pindecisive]

I have hidradenitis suppurativa. Most women who suffer from it are plus size. The two main treatments (there is no cure) are antibiotics and cortical steroid shots.

About 5 years ago I accidentally found out I could put it into total remission just by changing my diet. Being yeast, dairy, and nightshade free I stopped having flares and very quickly noticed how much easier it was to walk. I realized I'd always lived with inflammation and never realized it.

I would have never said I was sensitive to gluten or dairy in a million years, but it turns out I am. I think most people who are plus size are actually allergic to something in their diet, whether it be seasonings, condiments, breading, or dairy in their meal.

I think it's a mixture of portion size, inactivity, genetics, and the types of food that are popular in the US versus Europe. For example, a Turkish breakfast consists of an over easy egg, cucumbers, peppers, toast, jam, and black tea.

 

[Wakey]

I always buy a children's meal, as the regular ones are way too big for me at fast food places.

Everyone could easily subsist on the children’s meals, as they certainly contain enough calories. A good way to save a lot of money too.