Preparing food from scratch daily requires significant time and effort, but Shan is not strict about Grace adhering to the diet. “What she eats isn’t weird or strange. It’s food that normal people eat, and she loves it. I don’t give her toast or cereal, but I don’t think those things will harm her. If she eats a piece of bread, I’m not going to panic.”
Shan anticipated that Grace would attend birthday parties with sugary treats. “I’m not going to stop her from going to kids’ parties and eating what’s there,” Shan said. “I won’t pack her kale instead.”
Shan believes children are naturally intuitive eaters and plans to nurture that intuition as Grace grows. “She’ll learn what makes her feel good and what doesn’t, often through trial and error. She might overindulge in sweets and feel unwell, then eat less next time.”
Fostering a Healthy Relationship with Food
Shan aims to prevent disordered eating, a common issue among women. “I want Grace to eat what makes her feel good. That’s why I eat this way. A piece of bread won’t kill me. When I go out with friends, I eat what’s on the menu. I’m not rigid about it. Grace will also learn to recognize how different foods affect her.”
Today, Grace is eight years old, and Shan excels at finding healthy alternatives to common junk foods. When asked on Instagram if Grace ever wants to try sweets like candy, Shan responded, “Absolutely. She’s had candy at kids’ parties.”
Shan emphasizes that having a good relationship with food includes the freedom to enjoy occasional treats. It’s about balancing satisfaction and nourishment with awareness of what makes one feel good.
