![What happens when parents focus too much on getting kids to eat?](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/j/3/1/g/image.related.landscape.380x253.gtj2zl.png/1482957532646.jpg)
Top Resources
![Low GI Foods Essential Kids](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/2/p/d/b/f/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.2ojgy.gjzsl9.png/1444350556147.jpg)
Why low GI matters
Most parents know that too much added sugar in their child’s diet is not good for them but are we overlooking another type of food that is just as harmful for our kids?
![Weet-Bix recipes](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/2/u/a/7/o/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.2ua59.gjzsl9.png/1444350556147.jpg)
Top 5 recipe ideas to make with Weet-Bix
Muffins, pecan pie, chocolate balls, homemade granola and cookies - cooking with wholegrains doesn't have to be boring.
![Kilojoules galore ... How much do we teach kids about food?](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/2/2/l/y/m/image.related.landscape.120x80.22lre.gjzsl9.png/1444647476998.jpg)
Dr. Joanna McMillan
Should kids be kilojoule aware?
![running](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/2/h/i/a/1/image.related.landscape.120x80.1kgpt.gjzsl9.png/1444350556147.jpg)
![hp-back-to-school](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/8/5/4/c/image.related.landscape.120x80.7vtt.gjzsl9.png/1444350556147.jpg)
![Making healthy choices for the whole family.](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/3/k/u/x/f/image.related.landscape.120x80.11r6ty.gjzsl9.png/1444367268169.jpg)
Latest
![Coca-Cola took out two categories in the Shame awards for marketing unhealthy food and drinks to children.](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/4/a/7/t/image.related.landscape.300x200.gt4a5r.png/1480913869214.jpg)
Coca-cola takes out Shame awards for marketing to children
Coca-Cola Australia is one of the worst offenders when it comes to marketing unhealthy food and drink to children, according to the results of the 2016 Parents' Voice Fame and Shame Awards.
![The causes of long-term picky eating remain poorly understood.](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/0/c/j/r/image.related.landscape.300x200.gt0cip.png/1480456728382.jpg)
When picky eaters grow up
'It's a really scary thing to overcome. People aren't choosing to dislike food - there's a lot of shame involved. There's not a lot of empathy for picky eaters.'
![Mombies are turning to food to get them through exhaustion.](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/j/l/6/t/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsjkmd.png/1478484736699.jpg)
Bad news for Mombies: why sleep deprivation has you reaching for the chocolate
Here's some bad news for us Mombies (mums who stay up late even though they're exhausted, because it's kid-free time): being tired could make you eat more the following day.
![Learning to appreciate food starts with understanding where it came from.](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/h/c/g/o/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsh19k.png/1478150739174.jpg)
5 lessons I taught my children about the food on their plates
The food your child eats provides you with a valuable opportunity to teach them about
![Bribery could be effective in getting your children to form long-term healthy eating habits, finds study.](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/d/b/y/e/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsdbvh.png/1477634296234.jpg)
Would you pay your kids to eat their fruit and vegetables? Science says it's worth a try
New research suggests that when it comes to building long-term healthy eating habits, a little incentive (read: bribery) could actually go a long way.
![Constant sugar hits in a developing brain can change the reward centres for life, leading to behavioural and mood issues ...](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/a/o/v/w/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsaov2.png/1477437441130.jpg)
Why sugar is so much worse for teenagers’ brains
Diets high in refined sugar and saturated fat not only contribute to weight gain and associated health issues, but also have a profoundly detrimental impact on brain function.
![Stephanie Alexander and Alice Waters demonstrating the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program in action in 2014.](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/j/h/n/k/y/image.related.landscape.300x200.gs4r8z.png/1476912424079.jpg)
Get them eating well when they're young, and they'll prosper for life
In 2001 I decided to test my theory that if children could be introduced to the amazing world of growth and fresh food at an early age it would have a significant impact on their food habits for life.
![Is talking to your child about healthful eating, without the mention of weight, the solution?](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/g/n/0/h/image.related.landscape.300x200.grgmgh.png/1473895991636.jpg)
What to say (or not to say) to your overweight child
Research suggests you shouldn't, because making comments to a child about weight - whether those comments come as teasing, criticism or "helpful" advice - can be counterproductive.
![<i></i>](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/e/5/3/4/image.related.landscape.300x200.gre46o.png/1473644203823.jpg)
This video could ruin your love of gummy lollies
A stomach-churning video, showing just how our favourite gum-based lollies are made, has people swearing off gummy bears for life. And you might just do the same.
![Big Mac](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/2/k/7/4/image.related.landscape.300x200.gr1q0t.png/1472424275310.jpg)
More salt than two Big Macs in one little packet
What do eight packets of Smith's salted potato crisps and two Big Macs have in common?
![The Natural Confectionery Co defines itself as 'natural' for using no artificial colours or flavours.](/web/20170117191941im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/o/i/y/e/image.related.landscape.300x200.gqoilk.png/1470873928941.jpg)
'Natural' snacks are not as healthy as you think
Just because a food is labelled "natural" doesn't make it healthy.
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