Im no nutritionist but...uhh?
jcmrax5
Posts: 133
We had a WIC appointment today and it was a nutrition class. Ive never been to one of these classes the entire time we've been on WIC but I think the lady was insane. Im no nutritionist so please tell me if this sounds about right...
It was early in the AM so no one that was there (about 5 families total) was very talkative. Who would be anyways? This lady basically has an attitude that we do not know how to feed our kids because were on WIC. But she was telling us fiber is important (obviously). and that we (kids included) need 11 servings of bread, pasta, rice, etc., a day. ELEVEN? Seriously? That seems like A LOT. Not sure if she meant 11 servings of FIBER a day but she said 11 grains, pasta, and bread. I don't really follow the food pyramid, I just feed my kids healthy foods, lots of protein, lots of veggies, and everything in moderation. Seriously- does my 1 year old REALLY need 11 servings? Thats insane. if she meant 11 servings with fiber rich veggies included that would make more sense. but she didnt say...
She also said I should be giving her, and my other kids, 4-6 oz juice daily. she went on to say how i shouldnt give any more then that because 4oz juice had the same amount of sugar as 1 can of pop. So please- WHY would I want to give juice to my kids daily anyways? I might as well give them a damn coke! And i'd never do that, so why would I give them bottled juice daily?
She ended up getting upset that no one was engaging in conversation (she wanted us to talk about us, our kids, ages, names, etc) and stormed out. She reminded me of the WIC lady who told me to stop breastfeeding my 12 month old and give cows milk because she needs "real milk". *eye roll*
It was early in the AM so no one that was there (about 5 families total) was very talkative. Who would be anyways? This lady basically has an attitude that we do not know how to feed our kids because were on WIC. But she was telling us fiber is important (obviously). and that we (kids included) need 11 servings of bread, pasta, rice, etc., a day. ELEVEN? Seriously? That seems like A LOT. Not sure if she meant 11 servings of FIBER a day but she said 11 grains, pasta, and bread. I don't really follow the food pyramid, I just feed my kids healthy foods, lots of protein, lots of veggies, and everything in moderation. Seriously- does my 1 year old REALLY need 11 servings? Thats insane. if she meant 11 servings with fiber rich veggies included that would make more sense. but she didnt say...
She also said I should be giving her, and my other kids, 4-6 oz juice daily. she went on to say how i shouldnt give any more then that because 4oz juice had the same amount of sugar as 1 can of pop. So please- WHY would I want to give juice to my kids daily anyways? I might as well give them a damn coke! And i'd never do that, so why would I give them bottled juice daily?
She ended up getting upset that no one was engaging in conversation (she wanted us to talk about us, our kids, ages, names, etc) and stormed out. She reminded me of the WIC lady who told me to stop breastfeeding my 12 month old and give cows milk because she needs "real milk". *eye roll*
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Replies
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You ever look at the WIC approved cereals in the grocery stores? I rest my case. Do what you feel is right for your kids, dont listen to those nutritionists that read a book instead of raising kids of there own.0
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What is WIC?0
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sounds like someone who doesnt know what they are talking about.
problem with social aid programs is that some of these people who are a little crazy.
They are usually people who have some type of social problem and they can only do social work such as this. NOT ALL OF THEM ARE LIKE THAT, but it feels that a decent amount of them are.0 -
She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
We never have juice regularly; milk and water are staples in our house. Carbs may fill you up, and they're cheap, but you know that they're not satisfying and are low in nutrients.0 -
Per their site: "The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk."0
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WIC is a taxpayer paid for program like food stamps sort of.0
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She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.0 -
She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.
They do have nutritionists there that evaluate your childs progress. Especially for parents with a child that is off the curve and been deemed failure to thrive. But for monthly appointments you see a case worker.0 -
A single serving is actually very small. What everyday people consider a serving is what you would eat for the entire day. As for the juice I wouldn't give my children the juice. I would give them real fruit. It has the juice, fiber and nutrients all in one, NOT a ton of added sugar. I saw a true nutritionist before and a serving of spaghetti (noodles and meat sauce) would be the size of your palm. Not what restaurants give or what we make ourselves at home. That's just an example of a single serving. So she didn't mean 11 slices of bread. Even then you should opt for the healthier alternatives ie: brown rice, wheat bread, pasta0
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What is WIC?
Women Infants Children
Tax payer funded program, as mentioned by another poster.0 -
A single serving is actually very small.
That is the key to the whole thing.
Actually going by and eating the serving size of the food....
A lot of times (especially cereal) people can over eat.....
A serving size of cereal, is usually ~1 cup.
But unless you actually pour out into a measuring cup, a person will always pour way more than a cup......I am guilty of this.0 -
I honestly havent. We dont really do cereals in our house.You ever look at the WIC approved cereals in the grocery stores? I rest my case. Do what you feel is right for your kids, dont listen to those nutritionists that read a book instead of raising kids of there own.0 -
From what I understand it's state funded (though I could be wrong). They help with milk, bread, beans, etc. basic things.What is WIC?0 -
This is so frustrating. What right do they have to tell us how or what to feed our kids? sure- dont like it dont use the program. but right now i really dont have a choice- was laid off and we need the help (weve only ever used it between jobs). but why should i be forced to sit through a "class" taught by someone who doesnt know what they are talking about?She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.0 -
This and thisShe is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.0 -
You're taking their money, you gotta follow their rules. That's the way it is.
This is so frustrating. What right do they have to tell us how or what to feed our kids? sure- dont like it dont use the program. but right now i really dont have a choice- was laid off and we need the help (weve only ever used it between jobs). but why should i be forced to sit through a "class" taught by someone who doesnt know what they are talking about?She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.0 -
none of my kids have ever been a FTT case, and weve never been seen one on one about any "concerns" they have regarding my kids. I was told by WIC to put my 3 year old on a "diet" because hes normal weight for his age, but short for his age. hes not fat. hes a lot of muscle (his pedi even says hes a healthy child with a lot of muscle). Of course I ignored them. Who puts a 3 year old on a diet?She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.
They do have nutritionists there that evaluate your childs progress. Especially for parents with a child that is off the curve and been deemed failure to thrive. But for monthly appointments you see a case worker.0 -
Well...then don't take the free food at all then
This is so frustrating. What right do they have to tell us how or what to feed our kids? sure- dont like it dont use the program. but right now i really dont have a choice- was laid off and we need the help (weve only ever used it between jobs). but why should i be forced to sit through a "class" taught by someone who doesnt know what they are talking about?She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.0 -
I don't mind sitting through a class if they knew what they were talking about.
You're taking their money, you gotta follow their rules. That's the way it is.
This is so frustrating. What right do they have to tell us how or what to feed our kids? sure- dont like it dont use the program. but right now i really dont have a choice- was laid off and we need the help (weve only ever used it between jobs). but why should i be forced to sit through a "class" taught by someone who doesnt know what they are talking about?She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.
however i do not appreciate incorrect information, or being belittled and treated like im stupid.0 -
She sounds like she's just spouting off what she knows from a 90's textbook and actually doesn't know *kitten*. Go with your gut, feed your kids healthy foods and everything in moderation (my take, as well as yours). That class would have ticked me off too!!0
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how is this post going sour? im not complaining about the program. its great for people who need it. im frustrated with inaccurate information. its a program to promote healthy children- so why are they not using people who are educated in the subject to teach or talk with us? that is all im saying
Well...then don't take the free food at all then
This is so frustrating. What right do they have to tell us how or what to feed our kids? sure- dont like it dont use the program. but right now i really dont have a choice- was laid off and we need the help (weve only ever used it between jobs). but why should i be forced to sit through a "class" taught by someone who doesnt know what they are talking about?She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.0 -
You're taking their money, you gotta follow their rules. That's the way it is.
This is so frustrating. What right do they have to tell us how or what to feed our kids? sure- dont like it dont use the program. but right now i really dont have a choice- was laid off and we need the help (weve only ever used it between jobs). but why should i be forced to sit through a "class" taught by someone who doesnt know what they are talking about?She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.
no more like taking taxpayer money. I would rather make sure that the staff is properly educated before they open their mouth0 -
As would I. Is complaining on MFP going to make that happen? I answered her question: why should she have to sit through their class.
You're taking their money, you gotta follow their rules. That's the way it is.
This is so frustrating. What right do they have to tell us how or what to feed our kids? sure- dont like it dont use the program. but right now i really dont have a choice- was laid off and we need the help (weve only ever used it between jobs). but why should i be forced to sit through a "class" taught by someone who doesnt know what they are talking about?She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.
no more like taking taxpayer money. I would rather make sure that the staff is properly educated before they open their mouth0 -
I don't mind sitting through a class if they knew what they were talking about.
You're taking their money, you gotta follow their rules. That's the way it is.
This is so frustrating. What right do they have to tell us how or what to feed our kids? sure- dont like it dont use the program. but right now i really dont have a choice- was laid off and we need the help (weve only ever used it between jobs). but why should i be forced to sit through a "class" taught by someone who doesnt know what they are talking about?She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.
however i do not appreciate incorrect information, or being belittled and treated like im stupid.
You are getting free food from the government which comes out of the taxpayer's pocket... you do NOT get to pick and choose a program structured to your liking. If that is what you want then pay for it yourself.0 -
I don't mind sitting through a class if they knew what they were talking about.
You're taking their money, you gotta follow their rules. That's the way it is.
This is so frustrating. What right do they have to tell us how or what to feed our kids? sure- dont like it dont use the program. but right now i really dont have a choice- was laid off and we need the help (weve only ever used it between jobs). but why should i be forced to sit through a "class" taught by someone who doesnt know what they are talking about?She is not a nutritionist. She is a government employee selling the food pyramid.
This. WIC workers are under no obligation or regulation whatsoever to be formally educated in nutrition. They are given a script to follow (itself most likely not written by a nutrition major) and a few vague ideas to sell.
however i do not appreciate incorrect information, or being belittled and treated like im stupid.
You are getting free food from the government which comes out of the taxpayer's pocket... you do NOT get to pick and choose a program structured to your liking. If that is what you want then pay for it yourself.
money that i have paid into. money that my husband still pays into. what is wrong with expecting them to have proper education? just because its a government program doesnt mean we arent or have never paid for it.0 -
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I would rather make sure that the staff is properly educated before they open their mouth
[/quote]
exactly0 -
Thank you to those who answered the question instead of jumping on the "pay for it yourself" crap.
im glad im not the only one who feels like it was inaccurate information. We will continue to do as we do0 -
I do believe nutrition education programs are helpful. I wish they were taught by people who were qualified. I also wish they had some sort of "smart shopper" course that could teach people serious menu planning on a budget which is sometimes difficult to do.
Unfortunately, state workers aren't paid a lot and often have to deal with a tremendous work load. It's an unfortunate situation.
They can't afford to pay the requested salary by people who have the proper education.
They system beats people down on both sides.0 -
Why didn't you ask her these questions? It sounds like some of it could just be misunderstanding (as some people have already pointed out for the servings info) and some of it is just because it is an employee giving the information they are told to give. If they have a lot of those classes then they probably don't feel they have the time to give customized information (such as no, your 1 year does not have the same dietary needs as a 10 year old) but wanted to give the most basic info to try and benefit as many people as possible in that brief time.We had a WIC appointment today and it was a nutrition class. Ive never been to one of these classes the entire time we've been on WIC but I think the lady was insane. Im no nutritionist so please tell me if this sounds about right...
It was early in the AM so no one that was there (about 5 families total) was very talkative. Who would be anyways? This lady basically has an attitude that we do not know how to feed our kids because were on WIC. But she was telling us fiber is important (obviously). and that we (kids included) need 11 servings of bread, pasta, rice, etc., a day. ELEVEN? Seriously? That seems like A LOT. Not sure if she meant 11 servings of FIBER a day but she said 11 grains, pasta, and bread. I don't really follow the food pyramid, I just feed my kids healthy foods, lots of protein, lots of veggies, and everything in moderation. Seriously- does my 1 year old REALLY need 11 servings? Thats insane. if she meant 11 servings with fiber rich veggies included that would make more sense. but she didnt say...
She also said I should be giving her, and my other kids, 4-6 oz juice daily. she went on to say how i shouldnt give any more then that because 4oz juice had the same amount of sugar as 1 can of pop. So please- WHY would I want to give juice to my kids daily anyways? I might as well give them a damn coke! And i'd never do that, so why would I give them bottled juice daily?
She ended up getting upset that no one was engaging in conversation (she wanted us to talk about us, our kids, ages, names, etc) and stormed out. She reminded me of the WIC lady who told me to stop breastfeeding my 12 month old and give cows milk because she needs "real milk". *eye roll*0 -
interesting usually the WIC classes are taught by a registered dietitian or at least someone under an RD. Have to remember though the generally pay the lowest and usually get just new grads out of school...sorry to say. I'm confused she talked about the food guide pyramid I thought the USDA had replaced it with the healthy plate model? I could be wrong it's been awhile since I've had to think about the USDA guidelines.
I think the juice thing was because that's all many parents feed their children. You have to teach that it should only be served in a limited amount and a 4-6oz serving/day is perfectly acceptable for a healthy child.
Terrible experience sorry you had to go through that. Makes me so sad that someone who probably really needed that education was loading their child up on fast food, processed food, and juices didnt get anything out of that class.0
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