How to Teach Your Child to Have a Healthy Relationship with Food [Podcast]

There’s a lot of conflicting nutrition information out there which can make food decisions challenging. As a parent, the pressure mounts even higher because naturally, you want to do what’s best for your kids so that they grow up healthy and strong. Nutrition plays a big part in that and so does their relationship with food. But how do you teach a child to have a healthy relationship with food? We explore this question and more on this episode of DataDish, with Anne Mauney. Anne is a Washington, D.C.-based Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She also has a Master’s of Public Health in Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Anne works with clients using a method called Intuitive Eating, helping them to improve their relationship with food and reduce the associated stress that some people experience. Some highlights from today’s episode include: Enjoy the podcast! To learn more about intuitive eating, check out more of these Food Insight resources.

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2020 Food and Health Survey

This year’s Food and Health Survey marks the 15th time the International Food Information Council (IFIC) has surveyed American consumers to understand their perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors around food and food purchasing decisions. This year, the survey continues an examination of issues related to health and diet, food components, food production, and food safety. It also explores new topics, such as how food and health behaviors have changed in the past decade (2010-2020) and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our eating habits. DOWNLOAD THE PRESS RELEASE   Download the 2020 Food & Health Survey by filling out this form: <!– Past Survey Results: 2019 |  2018  |  2017   |  2016   |  2015   |   2014   |   2013   | 2012  |  2011   |   2010   |   2009   |   2008   |   2007   |   2006 –> Suggested citation for the 2020 Food & Health Survey: International Food Information Council. 2020 Food & Health Survey. 10 June 2020. https://foodinsight.org/2020-food-and-health-survey/

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3 Ways Mindfulness Can Help Reduce Food Waste

Food waste is a continual issue in the United States. A new study reported that nearly 150,000 tons of food is wasted, or about one pound per American daily. Recently, “healthy eaters” have been pinned as the worst offenders, with produce as one of the most wasted foods. But who wants to be told they’re contributing to waste when they’re just trying to eat fruits and vegetables? While you may be trying to do your body some good by increasing your produce intake, you might need some inspiration to get creative with how you buy and utilize your groceries. Let’s dive into some practical tips that may help you be more mindful of your food choices and reduce the amount of food you waste. 1. Get Creative at Home Too often we assume that because it’s grocery shopping day, we automatically need to stock up on X, Y or Z at the supermarket. Challenge yourself one day each week to make meals with the foods you still have — whether that’s some meat in the freezer, canned goods in the pantry or the long-lost veggies in the crisper drawer. You may also want to consider giving your fridge a makeover by putting produce in more visible areas. 2. Finish Now or Finish Later Mindful eating is about awareness while eating. A common practice is to notice all the different sensory aspects of food (taste, texture, aroma, etc.) while limiting distractions during mealtimes. Pairing mindful eating with intuitive eating (which aims to remove food rules and bring back the joy of eating) can help you focus on your hunger cues and be present for your meal. It’s just fine if you end up finishing it all at once — but if you want to save some for later, that works too. […]

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Farmers’ Market Food Safety 101

With the ushering in of warmer weather and more sunny days come thoughts of fresh produce and access to many of our favorite fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets. These typically outdoor markets range in size, location and the different goodies they bring to local neighborhoods, and their appeal is undeniable—they’re at the center of many communities in the spring and summer and offer many nutritious and tasty foods. But because these foods can come from different sources, consumers should follow some general food safety guidelines when purchasing and eating them. Remember these three safety tips in order to enjoy your farmers’ market finds the safe and healthy way: Federal regulations see all farmers as equals, and so should you. All farmers, local or long-distance, must follow United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety regulationsto grow and harvest crops. These guidelines govern all foods equally, no matter their location of origin and whether or not the food is conventionally grown or labeled as organically produced. This means that all farmers, either the one up the road or the one 1,000 or more miles away, must follow the same precautions and rules when it comes to using all crop inputs (including pesticides) for growing fruits, vegetables and grains. It’s important to know that for both organic and conventional produce, federally regulated pesticides are used for pest management and yield equally safe and nutritious products. Before you eat it, you should wash it. While you stroll the around your farmers’ market you may be tempted to pop a strawberry into your mouth or take a bite from a newly purchased apple to test for sweetness. But if you do, we might yell at you, “Stop, hold it right there!” While the […]

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IFIC Spotlight Survey: Survey Of Birth To 24 Months Parents

(Washington, D.C.)—Parents of children under 24 months old are quite confident that they are feeding them an age-appropriate and nutritious diet—admitting, in fact, that their children’s diets are more nutritious than their own. But a new survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation also reveals parents’ underlying concerns around issues like what foods to introduce into their kids’ diets and when. The survey of 1,001 parents with children from birth to 24 months (“B to 24”) found that 53 percent are very confident that they are feeding their child an age-appropriate, nutritious diet, while another 44 percent are at least somewhat confident. Despite that confidence, however, some parents expressed concerns and confusion about what they feed B-to-24 children. For instance, as parents introduce children to solid foods, 55 percent of them say that choking hazards are a major concern, with 38 percent concerned about the potential for allergic reactions. In addition, 21 percent said a major concern was what foods to introduce, and 24 percent said when to introduce them. For those with children less than six months old, the number was even higher (33 percent). Parents also are less than fully satisfied with the amount of information and guidance available about healthy eating and nutrition for children under 24 months. Only 42 percent are very satisfied. Pediatricians overwhelmingly are the primary source of information, cited by 77 percent of parents as a top source, followed by advice from their mother or mother-in-law (32 percent) and other family members (30 percent). Also striking is the number of children whose child care provider has at least some impact on a child’s diet (79 percent). “What we feed our children as infants and babies can make a big difference in their health and dietary habits as they grow older,” said […]

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Parents Uncertain About Times of Children’s Dietary Transitions; Gap Exists Between Expectations and Reality

Download the PDF FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 20, 2018 (Washington, D.C.)—Parents of children under 24 months old are quite confident that they are feeding them an age-appropriate and nutritious diet—admitting, in fact, that their children’s diets are more nutritious than their own. But a new survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation also reveals parents’ underlying concerns around issues like what foods to introduce into their kids’ diets and when. The survey of 1,001 parents with children from birth to 24 months (“B to 24”) found that 53 percent are very confident that they are feeding their child an age-appropriate, nutritious diet, while another 44 percent are at least somewhat confident. Despite that confidence, however, some parents expressed concerns and confusion about what they feed B-to-24 children. For instance, as parents introduce children to solid foods, 55 percent of them say that choking hazards are a major concern, with 38 percent concerned about the potential for allergic reactions. In addition, 21 percent said a major concern was what foods to introduce, and 24 percent said when to introduce them. For those with children less than six months old, the number was even higher (33 percent). Parents also are less than fully satisfied with the amount of information and guidance available about healthy eating and nutrition for children under 24 months. Only 42 percent are very satisfied. Pediatricians overwhelmingly are the primary source of information, cited by 77 percent of parents as a top source, followed by advice from their mother or mother-in-law (32 percent) and other family members (30 percent).  Also striking is the number of children whose child care provider has at least some impact on a child’s diet (79 percent). “What we feed our children as infants and babies can make a big difference in their […]

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3 Reasons to Swipe Left on the Sirtfood Diet

Here at the International Food Information Council Foundation, we talk a lot about fad diets. Usually, we’re debunking them and promoting a balanced eating plan with room for indulgences and celebrations. Sometimes the diets we talk about are based on some solid nutrition guidelines, and others we can’t believe really exist. This next diet we’re going to talk about falls into the latter category. The latest on the diet scene is the sirtfood diet, and we’re here to tell you why you don’t need that kind of restriction in your life: It’s not science-based or sustainable. What is the sirtfood diet? The sirtfood diet is based on the idea that certain foods activate sirtuins in your body, which are specific proteins hypothesized to reap various benefits, from protecting cells in your body from inflammation to reversing aging. Foods allowed on the diet include green tea, dark chocolate, apples, citrus fruits, parsley, turmeric, kale, blueberries, capers and red wine. On the official sirtfood diet website, proponents explain that the diet has two “easy” phases. Phase one is seven days with each day consisting of three sirtfood green juices and one meal filled with sirtfoods — a total of 1,000 calories. But don’t be discouraged: You might be slightly less starving on days four through seven when you’re allowed to increase your intake to 1,500 calories with two green juices and two meals. Phew! Phase two is not much more promising. This phase lasts for two weeks, in which you are permitted to have three “balanced” sirtfood-rich meals each day in addition to your one special green juice. The goal during this time is to promote further weight loss. While the benefits of sirtuins seem promising, the sirtfood diet is marketed as yet another way to “lose seven pounds in seven days!” And […]

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Eight Ways To Save Money on Groceries

Americans are feeling the effects of rising food costs. IFIC’s 2023 Food and Health Survey found that nine in ten consumers have noticed an increase in food and beverage prices in the last year. As a result, many of us are interested in cutting back on our grocery bills—wherever and whenever possible. While there are numerous factors that contribute to the cost of one’s food bill—including where you shop, what dietary restrictions you may have, and how many mouths you need to feed—there are a few tips you can employ to help you save money on groceries.  1. Simplify your meal planning. While it’s tempting to whip up exotic dishes from the wealth of extravagant recipes you can find in cookbooks and online, a surprising truth is that many people feel satisfied with a fewer number of meal options per week—simple and nutritious favorites that can be repeated over and over again. Unsure where to start? Try this method: Choose one or two breakfast options, two or three options for both lunch and dinner, and two or three snack options. A few ideas to choose from: Breakfast: Lunch or dinner: Snacks: 2. Before you head to the store, take inventory of what you already have on hand. Often, we default to going right to the grocery store without taking inventory of what’s already in our kitchen. It’s likely that you already have some ingredients that can be used in this week’s meals. If you have non-perishables like rice, pasta, canned goods, and snacks (such as nuts, popcorn, or crackers) or any frozen items, how might you combine or add these items to this week’s meals and snacks? 3. Browse coupons and various store promotions before you shop. Paying attention to current coupons and promotions—as well as purchasing in-season foods—can save […]

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