Brain Plasticity and Eating:There is still time for change!

Last week on the blog, I wrote about brain plasticity and how the brain actually changes and forms neural pathways based upon our experiences {positive or negative}. If you'd like to read more, you can find it here.  In today's post, I'll continue to talk about brain plasticity and experiences with regard to early feeding and food in general.  According to early 20th Century principles of brain neuroplasticity, the brain continues to change in response to experiences {positive and negative}, new behaviors, new learnings, environmental changes and brain injury longer than was previously believed {Lumosity, 2014}. This is GREAT news for those of you who are struggling with the research that shows how early feeding experiences are what lay the foundation for future feeding behaviors. 

Now, I'm not suggesting that early experiences no longer "count." They do and they continue to be the most important in laying the feeding foundation. However, we now know that all of the work we are doing with our picky and selective eaters can and DOES change brain structure with regard to food, feeding and the behaviors often associated with these issues. We can continue to make a difference longer than through the adolescent years as was previously believed. NEW neural pathways, behaviors and attitudes can still be formed with regard to eating! 

So, what are parents to do in order to take advantage of this neuroplasticity? 

First, new parents need to become adept at reading non verbal cues from their infants-from even the FIRST feeding. Watch for cues like rooting toward the nipple or pulling away to indicate something is wrong or satiation {fullness}. If the infant pulls away there can be many reasons. If you blow through the cues from your infant  {forcing them to eat when they aren't hungry or something is wrong}  this can affect the experience which then begins to form neural pathways that say feeding is a tense, scary and unpleasant time. Likewise, you need to try to remain calm as your infant will pick up on your stress and this too will affect the neuro-cognitive connection with regard to feeding. Have a plan in mind that you can follow when feeding time isn't going how you had hoped. Know when it might be something "more" and you need help from a professional. Trust your gut while trying to make feeding time as relaxed and pleasant as you can. If you''d like to read more about what non verbal cues to look for and how early experiences are important for the feeding foundation, check out this study that has an excellent chart with ages and behaviors. 

Next, parents of toddlers need to remember to also watch those non-verbal and verbal {NO!} cues. Toddlers and preschoolers are trying to assert their independence and take care of things on their own. Following a program like the Division of Responsibility by Ellyn Satter {DOR} is a great way for you to know that you are exposing your child to new foods in a positive light while also respecting their need to be independent and stay in their safe zone. This program is helpful for both typical picky eaters {which peaks in the toddler/preschool years} and our friends who are selective eaters. At this stage, using a program like our Food Literacy for the Picky Eater {TM} is also important to teach kids about food without any pressure to eat it. Again, the key is to keep things relaxed and positive around food and the family table. 

Finally, as parents of older children we need to remember and respect that children have their own likes/dislikes just as we do. This includes the picky/selective eater. We often "forget" that kiddos who are in this group are "allowed" to have likes/dislikes. Many times, we don't allow this because of fear and anxiety surrounding their intake/weight gain. We become so focused on what is going in their mouth that we take away their personal choice. This is never OK.  The key at these ages is to continue to support your child through programs like the DOR, keep interactions around the table and with food positive and continue using concepts like Food Literacy for the Picky Eater {TM} to expose them to new foods. 

Just keep swimming
Some days, I know it feels like you are not making progress and that your kiddos will never eat more than their safe foods. Some days, I know that you think that you are running out of time to help your kiddo become a better eater. I hope that this post helps you relax a bit in knowing that the opportunities you give your child and the activities you do that are POSITIVE around food/the table ARE making a difference. 

It takes time to form new behaviors and neural pathways. Take a breath and enjoy the time you spend NOT focusing on the food. Enjoy the conversation. Enjoy the way your kiddo laughs when milk comes out their nose when they get the giggles because dad has an orange slice "smile" in his mouth. Have some fun taking a food field trip to a chocolate factory or an orchard-just don't pressure them to "try something." Choose to focus on the experience instead. They will be forming new neural pathways, all the while, as they experience the FUN, the sights, the smells and the time with YOU..

What have you found that keeps things positive in your household?   

Until next time...keep growing and blooming!

Jen