As Melbourne breaks records for the most extended place in lockdown, it is easy to start comfort eating or sometimes not eating at all. The problem with comfort eating is that it is usually not healthy food, and this can cause weight increases, plus affect your mood, which makes things seem worse. Not eating at all can increase levels of depression and low mood, and lethargy.
Eating nourishing, well-balanced food helps with our overall sense of wellbeing and supports our mental health. We know it might be easier said than done, especially when everything seems like an effort. We are currently having more meals at home and spending more time with our kids every day. With summer around the corner, now is the time to improve the quality of our time and explore the benefits of eating together and cooking together.
Cooking can be a form of meditation as it can offer us a chance to escape the worries and stresses – at least for a while – while we solely focus on creating something delicious. Children (depending on age) can be involved with food preparation and cooking. It has the double benefit of keeping them busy, plus teaching them some fantastic life skills. (click here for ideas)
As parents, the way we eat significantly affects children and their eating habits, so it is essential to set a good example now.
The Australian Dietary Guidelines (the Guidelines) provide up-to-date advice about the amount and kinds of foods we need to eat for health and wellbeing. The recommendations are based on scientific evidence developed from looking at quality research.
We have included some links below that may help and some links to quick, healthy recipes. At Complete Children’s Health, we are here to help. Along with our Paediatricians, we also work with Dieticians and other Allied Medical practitioners. You are not in this alone.
Links and Sources:
https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Nutrition_older_children/
https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/
https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-practice-mindful-eating-in-5-steps
https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/family-life/family-meals-cooking/cooking-with-kids-teens
