Episode 9: Helping children have positive relationships with food with Dr Venita Patel

5 Nov

Healthily | 11/05/20

In this episode, I chat to Dr Venita Patel, an NHS community paediatrician and private practice nutritional therapist. She describes an approach to working with children that is calm, practical, and kind to both children and those who love and care for them.

We cover maternal health, feeding babies, and weaning before moving on to discussing the adolescent brain, eating behaviours, body image, and more.

TAKEAWAYs

✔️ The First 1,000 Days Matter

The foundation of lifelong health starts from conception to age 2.
Maternal gut health, emotional well-being, and stress levels can influence the baby’s brain, immunity, and gut microbiome.
Even if there are early challenges, interventions at any stage can positively influence a child’s health trajectory.

✔️ Gut Health and Immunity

Babies are not born sterile; their microbiome begins forming from exposure in utero and through birth.
Breastfeeding transfers beneficial bacteria and immune factors.
Formula milk now often contains prebiotics and probiotics, supporting immunity and gut health when breastfeeding isn’t possible.

✔️ Introducing Food and Taste Preferences

Taste exposure starts in utero and continues through breast milk.
Early exposure to a variety of foods encourages healthy eating habits and gut microbiome diversity.
Offer foods repeatedly without forcing; fussy eating is normal in toddlers and has evolutionary roots.

✔️ Supporting Appetite and Eating

Children naturally regulate their hunger and fullness cues.
Avoid pressuring children to finish meals; instead, offer small portions and choices.
Nutritional balance is more important than strict adherence to portions or rules.

✔️ Teenagers and Nutritional Challenges

Adolescence involves hormonal, neurological, and social changes affecting appetite and food choices.
Sugar cravings and energy drink consumption are common due to brain glucose demand.
Encourage healthy options, but allow flexibility—social integration matters.

✔️ Body Image and Mental Health

Avoid discussing weight with children; focus on energy, enjoyment, and well-being.
Happiness and confidence in other areas of life improve health, willingness to try new foods, and emotional resilience.

✔️ Vegan & Vegetarian Diets for Children

Motivation is often ethical or social; children’s empathy should be supported.
Ensure nutritional adequacy through proper planning and supplementation (e.g., B12).
Educate families about balanced plant-based nutrition to prevent deficiencies.

✔️ Engaging Children with Food

Include children in cooking, shopping, gardening, or foraging to foster curiosity and understanding of food origins.
Exposure to markets, fruit & veg shops, and seasonal produce encourages lifelong healthy habits.