‘Good Enough’ Nutrition for Children and Families
Why ‘Good Enough’ Nutrition Matters
As parents and carers, we all want the very best for our children, in happiness, health and nourishment. However, the realities of daily life, the cost and availability of healthier foods can make ideal or ‘perfect’ nutrition feel impossible.
This blog post explores ‘good enough’ nutrition. We are often told we need to be ‘good enough’ parents but find ourselves full of stress and guilt about food. Read on to explore how to support children’s growth, development and wellbeing whilst being kind and compassionate to yourself.
Understanding ‘Good Enough’ Nutrition
‘Good enough’ nutrition recognises that perfection isn’t necessary for children to thrive. Instead, it focuses on providing a stable, nourishing environment.
Let’s be honest, in real family life there are occasional fast-food or takeaway meals, skipped vegetables now and again, and plenty of food preferences. All our families are unique. My daughter picks the mushrooms off pizzas, but they are my favourite! Whilst my partner eats every single bit, because in his words ‘there is cheese and there is bread’!
Rather than striving for an unattainable ideal, ‘good enough’ nutrition encourages flexibility, kindness, and a focus on the bigger picture.
Quick Tips to Nourish Your Family
Offer balance: Aim to include fruits, vegetables, proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats across the day or week rather than at every meal. Variety and nutrition accumulate over time.
Food is more than just the nutrients it contains; it is part of culture, connection and it tastes good! Think about appreciating all these aspects.
Keep routines simple: Regular mealtimes help children feel safe, even if meals are basic.
Include children: Involving children in meal planning, shopping, or simple food preparation can build positive relationships with food and foster autonomy.
Model flexibility: Show that all foods can fit into a healthy diet. Enjoy foods higher in fat, sugar and salt together occasionally, without guilt, to help children develop a balanced perspective.
Letting Go Of Guilt
Something I’ve learned through experience is that guilt is common when it comes to feeding children and families.
Trust me when I say that this is something I work hard on as a Nutritionist and a hardworking Mam. Our children are incredible, this shines through when we are eating just like at other times. My toddler cares deeply about the colour of her cup and the drink in it (especially milk), loves snacks more than I thought was possible, devours hummus with her fingers, and she wants to buy every food in the supermarket with a TV cartoon character on it.
Food and parenting decisions like these aren’t good or bad; they’re simply part of the humbling and amazing responsibility we carry during busy lives. It’s shared moments eating together that are often what many families remember.
So, here is something I have learned to say to myself and I share with you: you are doing your best and that is good enough.
Your Stories and Questions
As every family’s journey with food is one of a kind, I’d love to hear about your experiences or stories. What does ‘good enough’ nutrition look like for your family these days? Let’s keep the conversation going.
Thank you for reading - I hope you have found this helpful. If you have questions or would like personalised support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.