A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating
If January had a catchphrase, it would have to be “New year, new me!” In many ways, having a goal, resolution, word of the year, or something similar can feel invigorating during what might be an otherwise cold and gloomy post-holiday season. But this can also be a difficult time for those who struggle with body image, disordered eating habits, and self-criticism. Parents in particular end up needing to work overtime to combat diet culture and model a healthy perspective on food. But if you’re a parent already trying to heal your own relationship with food, this can be a tall order! If this sounds like something you’re dealing with, I highly recommend A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy by Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster.
Intuitive eating is an approach that emphasizes listening to one’s own hunger and fullness cues and is used by dietitians and mental health clinicians to treat and prevent eating disorders. By listening to those cues rather than eating in response to emotions, external rules, or societal pressure, people are better able to nourish their bodies in ways that support their health rather than establish restrictive and even dangerous behaviors. In this book, Dr. Cazorla-Lancaster not only offers wonderful information about health and nutrition, she also provides practical advice and strategies to help kids develop a positive relationship with both food and their own bodies.
A small note: While Dr. Cazorla-Lancaster is a well-known instructor of plant-based nutrition courses, she very specifically states that eating this way “is not feasible nor desirable for everyone” and I personally did not find the book to be pushy about a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. The information she offers in the book and how it is presented is in line with my experience working with dietitians and disordered eating specialists who do not follow a plant-based lifestyle; they all focus on strategies for adding nutrient-rich foods to your child’s plate rather than subtracting or restricting a certain type of food that may be important to your family for health-related, cultural, or economic reasons (or just personal preference!).
You can find A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating in print, e-book, and audiobook at these retailers:
Morning Light doesn’t receive compensation for sharing book recommendations, nor do we receive a commission if you choose to buy the book. We just love them and think some of our clients may find them useful!