Better Eating Habits for Children and Adults

When I was a child I was continuously encouraged and, sometimes scolded, for not eating everything on my plate. What I realise now is that it has affected the way in which I eat now as an adult: and I don’t think I am alone in this.

When it came to meal time I used to put large portions of food on my plate and then I would usually finish every bite. I realise that everyone’s portions of large or small can vary, but for me, I think I used to put on what I think I will eat (and when I was eating dinner when I was younger that was often a necessity because if you did not claim what you wanted up front, you could forget about seconds). The reason for this food shortage? Competition with family members.

So, my eating habits have developed so that I feel guilty if I do not finish every bit of food on my plate and also I often eat past the point of being full. I cannot completely blame this on childhood eating habits though. As a young adult, and then later on, when living on my own with my husband I have found that I eat quickly. I think part of this is because meals are something to get through because our lives have become so busy. Another part of it is because I was still competing. I was making sure that I got a fair share of my portion of meat or pasta when eating with someone that had a larger appetite than me and could eat more being of a bigger build, that is, my significant other.

It is only in recent years that I have slowed down and started to think about my eating habits. If I want more of a dish later or for another day, I now put that portion aside in a separate container and tell family members/spouse hands off. I also have made the physical effort to slow down and appreciate my meal and not worry about other things I need to besides get through a meal. I find that by doing this I actually have time to feel full and do not eat more than I mean to.

I find that Australia is much better with portion sizes than the USA is, but even some restaurants here serve larger portions than I actually can or want to eat. So, now I tend to ask for takeaway containers for what I do not finish if it is something that I can save. If it is something that cannot, or does not, store well afterwards then I do not worry about it and accept that it is the restaurant serving such large portions, not me being wasteful.

When I go to California to visit family I find that if I order a coffee, juice or smoothie at some cafes and take away places the ‘small’ size drink is often the size of a medium size drink here in Australia. So, if unable to share a beverage at the time then I do not stress about throwing out the remainder (unless it is a drink that I can store in the fridge such as a soft drink in a plastic bottle or glass bottle with a lid).

I think that cafes, restaurants and take away places need to be more contentious of not only waste, but waist sizes. There does seem to be an upsizing of portions in the USA that probably contributes to problems such as obesity and being overweight. This said, I probably could help the environment out and control the quantity of drinks by carrying around re-usable drink containers. I am notoriously bad at leaving the house and forgetting to bring one of these with me.

Children know when they are full, so the next time you go to tell your children to finish every last bite consider my words. If they have had a fair share of healthy items such as veggies, and food can be stored in the fridge, do not fret about waste.