How To Model Healthy Eating Habits for Youth

By Ashley Anderson, PsyD, CEDS

Many pre-teens and teens struggle with body image, weight, and/or appearance. Eighty-one percent of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat (4). These concerns may eventually develop into distorted eating patterns, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. An estimated 24 million people suffer from anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder (1). It is important to model healthy eating habits in the home to decrease factors, such as social media and peer influence, on body image and weight. It should be noted that eating disorders are caused by multiple factors, not just social influences.

Implementing family meal time is one way to model healthy eating habits for youth. Routine family meals have many health benefits. Mealtimes reduce the likelihood of drug use, engaging in fights, and suicidal ideation. Family mealtimes promote healthier eating habits, communication, emotional connection, and reduce instances of behavioral problems. Additionally it reduces the likelihood of unhealthy weight control behaviors (2,3).

Below are a few suggestions for parents to consider:

Implement family mealtime
Avoid diets and fads. Incorporate a variety of foods in moderation.
Avoid making comments that negatively focus on others’ body weight or appearance.
Discuss the importance of embracing one’s own unique body type.
Focus on what a healthy body can accomplish, including goals, exercise, and an active lifestyle.

If you believe a loved one is struggling with eating issues, below are sources to look into:

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, Inc. ANAD.org
ANAD Helpline 630-577-1330
National Eating Disorders Association: nationaleatingdisorders.org
National Eating Disorders Association Helpline: 800-931-2237

Ashley Anderson, PsyD, CEDS

National Register Credentialed Since 2014

Dr. Ashley Anderson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois. Dr. Anderson works at a private practice called Shift Perspective, P.C. She provides individual psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and young adults. Additionally, Dr. Anderson provides psychological testing for people of all ages. Dr. Anderson is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through IAEDP. She is currently active in the following associations: a member of the American Psychological Association since 2007, the Illinois Psychological Association since 2012, and is a National Register Health Service Psychologist (since 2014).