Is Is Possible to Eat Too Much Healthy Food?

To be honest, I think you are really over thinking this one. She's two!

She could be going through a growth spurt which would account for a bigger appetite. She sounds like she's well fed and isn't lacking anything. I would offer another snack when she says she hungry or fruit smoothie or something like that. She's not going to have food issues if that's what you're thinking. She's way too young for that.

I wanted to add: Are you worried that she's going to get fat if you feed her more? I hope that you can seperate your own emotional eating from hers. A two year old needs a lot of food--healthy or otherwise. I think that Renee L. offered some very sound advice.

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Isn't being a mommy hard? We analyze everything, wanting what is best for our children. I'm glad you sought an outside perspective, because hopefully we fellow mommies can help you be at ease with your daughter's voracious appetite!

In my humble opinion, it sounds like the girl simply wants to eat more...and it would be fine to let her. You feed her wholesome foods - it's not as though she is binging on potato chips and soda. A toddler "wild child" burns a lot of energy in a day, plus her little body is still growing at a tremendous rate. She could be going through a growth spurt and feeling a constant rumbly in the tummy! Considering she is two years old and 25% weight, 75% height, she is far from any need to be concerned that she is eating for emotional reasons.

I understand your fear, as you said you struggled with an emotional eating issue. Please be careful to remember that is YOUR issue, not hers. With the predominance of eating disorders hurting our daughters today, steer clear of implanting that idea in her head - especially at such a young, unassuming age.

Coming from a parent of "picky" eaters, be thankful she is a healthy eater!!! Indulge her requests for a while and see how it goes. She will let you know when she is full. I am not a vegetarian, therefore don't know too much about it, but it sounds like her daily diet provides her with the protein she needs (I know when I personally feel insatiable hunger, I need some protein to sustain me).

I hope this helps. Best of luck with your little girl. You seem like a wonderfully conscientious mom and she is lucky to have you looking out for her :)

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Small children need MUCH more protein. With extensive nutrition education I can tell you that based on the menu - there is virtually no protein source to feed the brain, the muscles, or the growing bones. Your daughter sounds like she is going through a growth spurt and something is not being met. You can go the route of soy- an EXCELLENT source - the only complete plant based protein (beans are INCOMPLETE protein). You may want to consider omega 3s - adding them in some form - some more green leafies or fish, walnuts or flaxseed oil.
Also protein fills you up much more and makes you feel full. If she is deficient, it makes sense she would still be seeking a full feeling. It is also harder to stay full when you don't have enough protein. I hope that helps!

She might actually not be getting enough fat. At this age, they still need some and fat is what keeps them full. Also, if it seems she's a also drinking alot, have a blood sugar test done on her.She could be diabetic. Tha happened with someone's kid who my husband works with. Have you talked to your Ped or a pediatric nurtitionist. I don't think they emotionally eat at this age, not like us. She might also need more protein because they are growing so fast and burn so many calories.She might need that much food.

L. -

As someone who requires a lot of protein, have you tried giving her more protein or healthy carbs? It sounds like she gets lots of veggies and fruit . . . but perhaps she is hungry because she needs a little more substance for energy. Kids require a lot more than adults. Just an idea!

S.

If only I could get my kids to eat like that... We started off well, but once they get exposed to the wrong foods it's so hard.... Anyway, I'm certainly no nutrionist, but from what you described, I bet she is still getting no more CALORIES than my kids do eating junkier food. Veggies, fruit and legumes tend to pack less than mac n cheese and chicken nuggets. Maybe she is just having a growth spurt.

We also eat all organic and I am impressed with what your 2 yr. old eats! My 2 yr old would never eat half of that in a day. Please relax and be very happy she is getting a well balanced diet. She'll be absolutely fine.

Hi L.,

Around the age of two my son also went through spurts of eating a very great deal as well. It was connected to a growth spurt. How long has this been going on? If only a week or so, might be a growth spurt or increase in activity; if longer, then she may just be hungry. Since she is relatively thin and you are feeding her very healthfully it is probably not a concern, unless you see there is some other unhealthy connection between eating and some behavior or stimulus. I have read that children will not eat more than they need and usually self regulate, as long as they are given healthy choices.

The only other question would be is she getting enough fat and protein? That could be making her hungry, and sometimes it is hard to accomplish on a vegetarian diet.

Best of luck!

I have heard that protein is very filling. You could also speak to a nutritionist as well to make sure her diet is balanced. I am sure it is nothing, my son has about 2-3 snacks per day as well. I wish I could be as great as you when it comes to nutrition!! She is a lucky little girl!

Actually, as a vegetarian I'm sure you know that the protein concern is a common misconception. If anything, B12 could be supplemented in a vegetarian diet, and it's abundant in packaged foods as well as in capsule form.

Your daughter's diet sounds wonderful. It makes good sense to me that she would be more aware of her appetite when she's at home with less to distract her. You should be proud of the wonderful food relationship you have given her!

If you're still concerned, maybe take a look at sea vegetable supplements. Spirulina and Chlorella are amazing superfoods.

I think the only thing you really need is some veg family support and camaraderie! We love VegNews at our house - you can find it at Borders or here:

http://www.vegnews.com/

Some online groups:

http://www.vrg.org/family/

http://www.vegfamily.com/

Baby Greens by Michaela Lynn and Michael Chrisemer is a great veg baby book. It's a little "hippie", but has some great and encouraging info with a lot of other great books referenced for further reading.

Good luck to you! It sounds like you're doing great.

Hi L.- I am a SAHM of 4 (girls 8,6, and 4 and a little boy 9 months). Although my children do not eat quite as healthy as your daughter, they eat a TON but are very active (very little if any TV) sports, bike riding, parks etc. My children are all at a very healthy weight but actually on the skinny side. If her Body Mass Index is appropriate I wouldn't worry about a 2 year old emotionally eating. You are doing a good job providing heathy foods for your daughter. Keep it up and she will have a healthy relationship with food!
B.

Just make sure she is getting enough protein. That's the biggest concern I've heard with eating vegetarian. So, beans I guess, peanut butter? Check with your doctor, I'm sure you're fine. Take a multivitamin as well.

Hi L.,
My DD eats almost constantly also. From what I have read, 2 or 3 snacks a day is normal for todders. They can't hold as much food as we can, so cannot handle just 3 meals a day. I think your daughter is fine, but would echo the protien concerns. Good for you for providing heathy choices for her! If you are really concerned, mention it at her next check up, but I would bet it is fine!
E.

The best advice I ever read about feeding children is from Ellyn Satter's book, Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense. She says that it is our responsibility to provide healthy food that we know our kids like, and their responsibility to decide what and how much they will eat. Let her body determine what she wants. This is probably a phase - both of my boys have gone through months of eating everything and then months of living on just about nothing.