Parents’ eating habits have an impact on their children’s diet

They found that men whose diet quality had improved during adolescence were 90% more likely to model healthy eating when they became fathers, 60% more likely to monitor healthy eating in their children, compared with fathers who had a poor diet in adolescence. Also, the children of fathers whose diet quality had improved during adolescence were significantly more likely to meet dietary recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption compared with children whose fathers had poor or declining diet quality in adolescence.

The researchers emphasized that these findings stress the importance of encouraging healthy eating in all demographic groups, including young people who may one day become parents.

“Healthy eating habits formed during adolescence not only benefit individuals but also shape future parenting behaviors, contributing to better nutrition for the next generation. This is especially significant given the growing concerns around childhood obesity and poor dietary habits. Investing in adolescent nutrition, including for boys, can have lasting, intergenerational benefits,” De Oliveira added.

The study also found that eating regular family meals during adolescence did not predict better dietary patterns later in life.

Source: bing.com