Improving diet of children how long to see any improvement

[ColdinNovember]

My kids don’t have the worst diet but my DD10 in a particular craves sweets and have found evidence of her sneaking them into her bedroom to eat.

I am trying to increase veg consumption and fruit. Change sweets and cakes etc to treats not automatic things they help themselves to.

It’s hard going though! Huge stand offs and tears about trying the tiniest amounts of veg amongst foods they enjoy.

I’m aware that it shouldn’t have got here in the first place but we are where we are for various reasons and now trying to make changes. Just wondering from those who have successfully changed things around how long it’s taken to see an improvement?

Do you mean improvement in their health or as in they accept eating the veg?
If the latter, I think that will be a fairly long ongoing thing but tastes definitely can change.

More the acceptance around change, neither are overweight or look unwell. More thinking about the longer term benefits of eating well.

It’s tricky. I’ve just read ultra processed people, and it’s changed my thinking about food entirely. My DS is thankfully older, and can understand the changes. Fridays only all bets are off, and treats acceptable but during the week it’s fruit or nothing. Helps not having it in the house then they definitely can’t have it! Homemade fruit fritters, homemade flapjacks too, but no shop bought crap. They make that shit addictive on purpose as you can see.

Yes definitely, it was one of the drivers for me too. I also only have control of their diet when with me. I want avoid ‘hidden veg’ move toward whole foods and much less sugar.

The lack of sugar is going to be a shock to the system so I'd make sure they have access to other nice snacks like fruit, plain yoghurt etc. Also make sure they are getting enough protein.

I think you need to increase protein, healthy fats, complex carbs and limit simple and refined carbs as much as you can without making it "bad". Increasing protein should have a fairly quick result in reducing that overwhelming urge to eat something sweet.

This was an interesting watch

Oh it’s not so much the principle of doing it. I understand the changes to make it’s to get them to accept it. EG this morning slice of sourdough seeded toast with peanut butter. She didn’t eat it. She says she likes porridge but expects it covered in honey don’t get me started on people suggesting honey instead of sugar it’s the exact same thing!

I’m going to sit them down and get them to agree on a menu with a protein (complex or work towards this) carb and 3 vegetables. Explain fruit is pudding except at weekends and see how this goes.

really tricky to not come across as judgmental to their other parent.