Good Food & Healthy Habits Education News from Alleyn's | www.alleyns.org.uk James Sharp, Head of Food and Nutrition at Alleyn’s, talks about why teaching nutrition is so important and how we can help our children develop healthy eating habits. Young people are faced with daily choices about how to feed themselves. Influencers on social media promoting weight loss products or muscle building protein powder, home delivery services and the food industry make it easy for people to rely on manufacturers for food. The eating habits formed during adolescent years can last well into adult life and have profound long-term effects on health. Teaching food and nutrition is a fundamental part of a holistic approach to the emotional, physical and academic well-being of young people.
Encouraging Good Food Choices Nutrition education is most effective when it includes hands-on food preparation activities (i.e. cooking!). Research shows that young people involved in practical lessons eat more fruit and vegetables than those undertaking nutrition lessons without a cookery component. The focus should not just be on diet and health, there needs to be a balance with the pleasure and social bonding food can provide. Lessons, cookery clubs, field trips and competitions all have a role in developing an interest in food.
How to Complement Your Child’s Nutrition Lessons Cooking at home with your child gives them a connection between their family and school, and an opportunity to enjoy and share food experiences. Encourage your child to cook mostly savoury foods which provide healthy well-balanced menu choices and develop a wide range of skills (in addition to popular activities such as baking). Keep fruit and vegetables visible at home as it increases the likelihood of their consumption as snacks. Expose your child to foods they otherwise might not have tried so they can develop a palate that includes healthy options e.g. jackfruit or cauliflower are great substitutes for meat in some dishes. Cooking leftovers teaches children the importance of environmental sustainability and how to look after themselves on a budget (e.g. at university). 34 | SE22 - May 2021
Promote Cooking as a Pleasurable Activity Encourage the idea of cooking as a fun and creative leisure activity rather than a chore. Food preparation and clean up require patience, and the experience is best when you can work together in the kitchen at a relaxed pace. That’s why it helps to introduce cooking together when you’ve got the time, such as the weekend or school holidays.
Give Responsibility for Cooking Family Meals Give responsibility for at least one evening family meal to your teenager. They’ll need help with timing and preparation, but research shows that allowing young people to make choices for their family’s nutrition encourages healthier choices for themselves.
Focus On Sport Focus on nutrition for sport. Explain how healthy eating can develop a strong skeleton, improve performance and increase energy levels during a match. Remember that recipe failures matter as much as the successes; they are good learning opportunities and teach children resilience.