To think that to some extent, getting too worked up over a balanced diet, is pointless??

[B4Beatrice]

Just for those that are wondering, this is not in relevance to my "scotch egg" thread but more the programme My Child Won't Eat.

Watched it this morning and some of the eating habits and phobias were really sad. However it was mentioned that even the kids on the narrowest of diets were actually "healthy". It was only when the parents were restricting the only foods that the kids would eat that they were underweight/unhealthy.

The girl that only ate chocolate and watsits, was lovely, had beautiful skin, and was said to be never ill.

It made interesting viewing and as much as I sympathise with the parents, and would hate for my child to have such phobias, it goes to show it isn't the end of the world if every meal isn't balanced.

There was me feeling guilty when I give DD pesto pasta as it has no veg in it!

I suppose I'm saying are we a bit over obsessed with having every meal "balanced"?

YABU to think everyone is obsessed. Some of us are quite relaxed. :) My view is that a balanced diet takes place over days, not individual meals. Likes and dislikes have to be accommodated to a point. It's our job as parents to encourage children to try new foods and broaden their palate. It's also our job to get a child help if we suspect there are clinical or psychological problems like phobias or eating disorders. The little girl may have looked healthy eating wotsits but she would probably struggle if things went on the same way for long.

But I wouldn't go crazy just because a plate didn't have a vegetable on it occasionally. I don't think that many people do in reality.

I remember your scotch egg thread , i felt for you.
I have said there the same as Chil that the 'balance' is over the week, not in one meal.

Tbh i wouldn't be happy if any of my dcs ate wotsits every day. (But i would be happy with your famous scotch egg in the park).

I agree that people go over the top analyzing every single meal. One meal out of 14 in a week, plus breakfast and snacks. It is like a competition 'look at me i know so much about fats etc'. I still dont get the fuss over food in uk, the stress, the endless debates, the control. I was brought up to enjoy food, ate as a family and never locked cupboards or hidden fruitbowls.

Yeah I know what you mean, I didn't mean to suggest everyone is obsessed!

The girl was 12 so was doing fairly well.