Master 3 was offered a Spreckle. Like almost every third child, he was exposed to ‘pleasure’ foods like this earlier.
When he received the Spreckle, it was whole.
He picked it up.
Inspected it.
Turned it over and over.
Next, he broke it in half.
Then, he left it on the plate before he asked to be excused.
I chose to offer Master 3 and his brothers one Spreckle each when we visited a cafe.
I did this because, well, we enjoy sitting together at a cafe with a warm drink, with or without something to eat.
Whilst this is enjoyable, it isn’t particularly exciting. It happens often enough for us all to know it might come around if the opportunity arose or it might not. We don’t overthink it. We don’t worry. We don’t long for it. It doesn’t feel out of control.
It’s just food…
Presented this way, as a matter of fact, ‘pleasure’ foods can take their place on an equal playing field with all other foods.
When we put too much emphasis on any food, we risk either elevating the food to a desirable status (usually ‘pleasure’ foods) or dropping it right down to undesirable (usually veggies!).
This doesn’t mean ‘pleasure’ foods are on endless supply.
Parents and caregivers are in charge of WHAT is on offer. You get to decide how often these are on offer.
How do you approach ‘pleasure’ foods?
Eat Happy!
Inés Astudillo
Accredited Practising Dietitian
