Nippers Nutrition

Are you a parent who promotes body positivity and  diversity?  Although promoting a positive body image is paramount for improving an infant's perception of their own physique, taking the time to promote body diversity - particularly from an early age - is equally as essential. This can not only strengthen a child's self-esteem and self-acceptance, but it can also reduce the prevalence of weight-related bullying by teaching tots' that it's 'normal' and natural for bodies to come in all shapes and sizes. www.twitter.com/N_NutritionUK

Do you take advantage of the free fruit for kids scheme? Although shopping for food with tots' in toe may seem like a stressful struggle (particularly if they're prone to public tears and tantrums!), supermarkets provide the perfect opportunity to increase an infant's exposure to 'feared' and unfamiliar foods in an environment where they won't feel pressured to try them.  If your youngster is fussy about fruit, positively pointing out the free fruit for kids scheme whilst encouraging (not pressuring!) them to take a look, touch and/or choose a different source to try each time that you take a trip to the shops is a fantastic way to ignite an interest in a food that's more feared, than favoured - it's also great for keeping them occupied whilst you grab your groceries!  www.twitter.com/N_NutritionUK

Food for thought: a life-long emotional connection to food often originates during early childhood when sensory stimulating food sources are commonly used for non-nutritional reasons... Although parents who persistently soothe and suppress their tot's sadness with sweet treats may temporarily tame their tears and tantrums, this inappropriate action also promotes the psychological perception that palatable foods can provide a sense of security. This not only implies that a form of comfort can be found in favourable food sources, but it also increases the incidence of emotional eating in adolescence and adulthood as children continue to seek a form of comfort (the comfort that they've learnt to associate with appealing foods) in sweet sources during times of emotional stress and distress. www.twitter.com/N_NutritionUK