Positive Eating and Body Image Strategies for Parents for Their Kids from Intermountain Health

Instilling healthy habits in children is crucial for their long-term well-being, according to Jeff Tackett from the Intermountain Health Tenaya Pediatric Clinic.

Tackett emphasized the importance of developing positive habits related to food, activity, and body image during childhood, as these often persist into adulthood.

“Early childhood habits often stay with kids well into adulthood,” Tackett said. “That definitely includes our habits with food, activity, and also how we view our body.”

When it comes to nutrition, Tackett advised against labelling foods as “good” or “bad,” which can lead to a restrictive relationship with food. Instead, he suggested using terms like “always” and “sometimes” foods to teach balance. “Always foods might refer to fruits and vegetables, while ice cream and cookies would be sometimes,” he said.

Tackett also recommended involving children in cooking, avoiding food as a reward or punishment, adding vegetables to breakfast, and modeling healthy eating behaviors.

For exercise, Tackett encouraged making physical activity a family affair. “Find ways to get active and make it a family affair,” he said. “Make it engaging, such as heading to a park to play games.”

Addressing body image, Tackett highlighted the negative impact of social media and peer pressure on children.

He cited research indicating that 75 percent of parents engage in self-critical “fat talk” in front of their children, which can be detrimental.

“Parents should become more aware of this ‘fat talk,'” Tackett said. “Recognize how often you’re doing that about yourself, others, and your children.”

Tackett advised parents to focus on respecting their bodies and understanding their health needs, rather than engaging in negative self-talk.

Additional Resources:
Body Image from Intermountain Health
Promoting Health Body Image

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a not-for-profit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.