Unveiling the Hidden Dangers of 'Healthy Eating' Curriculum: Is It Doing More Harm Than Good?

Oona Hanson, a parent coach in private practice and a family mentor at Equip, an eating disorder treatment program, specializes in helping parents raise children who have a positive relationship with food and their bodies. Although children are taught nutrition concepts to promote better health across all grade levels, these lessons can sometimes have unintended negative effects on their eating habits and overall well-being.

Nutrition lessons, which are predominantly influenced by state education standards, may inadvertently promote harmful behaviors similar to those seen in individuals with eating disorders: the elimination of specific food groups, calorie restriction, and anxiety about gaining weight.

Shutterstock

What is disordered eating? And why do 20% of the worlds kids show signs of it? Experts explain

When supporting parents and guardians dealing with children with eating disorders, the task of dealing with school nutrition units can be especially challenging. The families I interact with often express concerns about the safety of their child participating in these classroom activities when they request exemptions or alternative assignments. Unfortunately, many teachers are not aware of the potential minefield they are stepping into when delivering nutrition lessons, as pointed out by Zoë Bisbing, a New York City-based eating disorder therapist.

Not all students will suffer from these assignments, but educators cannot determine who may be vulnerable. While some students may find the material beneficial or not give it much thought, for certain children, nutrition lessons can be triggering and contribute to developing an eating disorder, Bisbing explained.

Nicole Cruz, a registered dietitian in Agoura Hills, California, stated that well-meaning lessons promote rigid thinking, which ultimately results in unhealthy eating habits.

Nutrition curriculum has an effect on students, but families play a major role in helping children learn about food.

Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Teachers face a significant challenge in bridging the gap between the intricate and unique elements of nutrition and the cognitive development of children. While teaching about food may appear simple, Cruz points out that "nutrition is, in fact, a complex topic, and children are concrete thinkers."

Requesting students to pay attention to nutrition details or classify food items seldom leads to them making positive changes in their eating habits. "Providing excessive nutrition information to children distracts them from listening to their body's signals and internal cues," Cruz explained.

Teaching youngsters about abstract categories like "sometimes foods" can be especially challenging. Children may develop a fear of consuming "sometimes foods" excessively and end up avoiding them altogether.

Attempting to satisfy the instructor's expectations can ultimately result in individuals descending into a spiral of eliminating an increasing number of foods or indulging in those forbidden foods and subsequently experiencing feelings of remorse, Cruz mentioned. Conversely, certain students receive advice on "consuming nutritious food," but instead, they defy it by evading the suggested items and actively searching for the very foods that are labeled as unhealthy.

exp hm teens and eating disorders_00000205.jpg

CNN

Children and teenagers should aim to increase their weight during adolescence for important reasons. When it comes to educating tweens and teens about nutrition, caution is required. According to Cruz, research suggests that a significant number of children already have body dissatisfaction issues. It is important to avoid promoting weight loss through conventional "healthy eating" advice as it may result in a lack of necessary nutrition. During this stage of life, teenagers require a higher intake of calories and nutrients for optimum growth and development.

Nutrition lessons can have unintended consequences beyond causing eating disorders. The standard definition of "healthy" food may not apply to every child. Neurodivergent children, those from food-insecure households, and students whose cultural diets do not align with the US Department of Agriculture's MyPlate image taught in class may find these lessons irrelevant or even detrimental.

Bisbing explained, "For children with sensory differences who depend on specific foods, discovering that their safe choices are considered bad or unhealthy can be incredibly shaming and bewildering."

When teaching nutrition standards and promoting food concepts, it is important to prioritize safety. Christopher Pepper, a health educator in San Francisco who writes the newsletter Teaching Health Today, recommends an approach that is neutral and avoids labeling specific foods as good or bad. It is also beneficial for teachers to create opportunities for discussions about the enjoyment of eating, instead of solely focusing on the health aspect of every food choice.

"Promoting lessons that prioritize the delight of indulging in food, the satisfaction of sharing meals with fellow individuals, and acquiring culinary skills as a means to forge connections with others" are aspirations of great value for educators, he stated.

POV angle Asian Toddler female very happy to buying a snack and sitting in shopping cart with her parent

skaman306/Moment RF/Getty Images

A study reveals that foods and drinks intended for children are packed with excessive sugar and lack essential nutrients. While nutrition curriculum does have an effect on students, families continue to have a significant role in teaching kids about food. "Although classroom lessons provide information, parents hold a greater influence on their child's comprehension of food and nutrition," emphasized Pepper.

Engaging in conversations with your children about their school experiences can provide an excellent opportunity to delve into their relationship with food and address any inquiries they may have. If parents or guardians have concerns about the nutrition curriculum, it is advisable to approach the teacher with a mindset of curiosity and positive intent. Adopting the perspective of being a collaborative partner in your child's education is the most effective way to communicate and find solutions, as suggested by Pepper.

This is particularly crucial for children with eating disorders or special dietary requirements, as initiating discussions with their teachers even before the first nutrition lesson can be beneficial. Taking a proactive approach and establishing a partnership with the school not only benefits your child but also fosters a sense of awareness within the teacher, as Bisbing mentioned.

As educators learn about the complexities and potential pitfalls in some of these lessons, they are more likely to make adjustments that will be more inclusive and health-promoting for all students.