French Kids Eat Everything [book]

msdivine26
msdivine26 Posts: 42
in Motivation and Support
I just finished reading French Kids Eat Everything. As a picky-eating adult, I read it to gain insight into WTF went wrong with me as a kid, and perhaps get some tips in how to adjust my eating habits from here forward.

Several times while reading I wanted to call or email my mother, to blame her and frustratingly demand to know why my parents hadn't taught me right about food.

But then I remembered that as I grew older, I was happy to be enabled by them and other adults. And even older, I continued to enable myself.

While I know some may have hated the book, or thought the author too whiny and that she saw French parents through rose-colored lenses, it was a perfect read for me.

And I'm already making changes to my thoughts about food, my neophobia, my shopping, cooking and eating habits. Yay.

Any other super-picky eaters out there? How does your picky eating affect your weight-loss goals and actions [and vice versa]? Any other books or resources to point to?

Replies

  • msdivine26
    msdivine26 Posts: 42
    bumpity bump bump?
  • jg627
    jg627 Posts: 1,221 Member
    I bet those Frankish turds would eat anything. Team Holy Roman Empire FTW!
  • caitsaunt
    caitsaunt Posts: 25 Member
    I haven't read it yet - but it's on my list. My kids are crazy picky eaters. I may grab it sooner than planned since it sounds like it may be an interesting read from several perspectives...
  • KaydeForce
    KaydeForce Posts: 96 Member
    I haven't read the whole book (browsed it, read reviews etc.). But I lived in France for a while. And I love the way they celebrate eating as a big event.

    Anyway... about picky eating: I used to be a picky eater. But I tought myself not to be that person anymore. Your taste buds will adjust - I PROMISE you. Just force yourself to eat little things you think you don't like and you will learn to love them.

    I just did it with Almond milk. The first sip I had I thought I was going to throw up (sorry if that's too much information). But now I love it and have a cup of it every day. It's as simple as that. It will be tough for a few days, but after that you'll be greatful you did it.

    Still can't drink beer, though.. And I have no intention of forcing myself to like it ;-)
  • ErinRibbens
    ErinRibbens Posts: 370 Member
    I haven't read it but it sounds interesting. Could you give us a short synopsis? :flowerforyou:

    I'm paranoid about creating a picky eater because I nannied for the pickiest child I've ever seen. He pretty much lived off chocolate milk and chicken nuggets (a certain brand).

    So I'm careful about how I present food to my kids, and they are 2 of the least picky eaters I've ever seen. of course, my DH and I were never picky eaters so it may be a bit hereditary as well. (I'm thinking like sensory issues some people have.)

    Basically I put healthy food on my kids' plates and offer a wide variety. They were exposed to all sorts of different flavors soon after starting solids. I don't keep any junk in the house. Almost no processed foods at all. So if they are going to eat it will be mostly healthy. I will not play games, coerce them to eat. If they don't like what I fix they wait till the next mealtime to eat and maybe they will like that better. Same way my parents raised me and it seemed to work well.
  • DominiqueSmall
    DominiqueSmall Posts: 495 Member
    On my to read list
  • karenwill2
    karenwill2 Posts: 604 Member
    my kids eat everything! They are not allowed to leave the table or eat their favorites till they have at least one bite of everything on their plates. After about 10 or so times, they love the food. My oldest is the pickier one but he knows the rules and tries each thing without complaining.
  • LainMac
    LainMac Posts: 412 Member
    Bump it up because I just read it.

    The book is basically a Candian gal with two young girls married to a French guy who moves to his villiage and she "learns' after making loads of faux pas the unwritten rules of how the French teach their children to eat and enjoy food.

    Many interesting observations, but the somethat I think is relevent to us all here is that the French are "okay" with being hungry. Their attitude is "so what if you're hungry now, you'll eat well at the next meal." This a rule for both kids and adults.

    They think that snacking (beyond the planned afternoon 1 snack a day) is very bad. They never eat alone if they can help it. They never rush through any meal. Meals are supposed to be joyous and social events. Children are expected to try everthing and this starts as babies in the home and reinforced in school from preschool on. Children from a young age are expected to have excellent table manners and use real forks and knifes. (no sippy cups). Babies starting solid food aren't given cereals but vegtable broths.

    They completely plan their meals such that what is served isn't served too often. Bigger preschools have chefs. The lunch menu sent home has 3 course meals but only one option. Food is made from scratch and junk food is frowned upon. There isn't poor people food or rich people food, just good food and bad food.

    It was a great read and I highly recommend it.
  • LainMac
    LainMac Posts: 412 Member
    Also food is never a reward ~ no bribing your kid in the store with a cookie. Desserts aren't forbidden but expected be served occassionally for occasions. If you show an American a picture of a slice of cake, they are likely to think "forbidden". If you show a French person a picture of piece of cake, they think "birthday" or some sort of holiday. Desserts are decadent but served in small portions. The French wouldn't get the appeal of Golden Corral or any all you can eat place at all.

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