Kids model eating on mom's choices

EAST LANSING, Mich., Dec. 23 (UPI) -- A U.S. researcher says the biggest influence on what children eat is what they see their mothers eat.

Study author Mildred Horodynski of Michigan State University in East Lansing says what and how mothers eat most directly influences what toddlers eat.

"Health professionals need to consider this when developing strategies to increase a child's consumption of healthy foods," Horodynski says in a statement. "Diets low in fruit and vegetables even at young ages pose increased risks for chronic diseases later in life."

The study, published in the journal Public Health Nursing, indicates toddlers were less likely to consume fruits and vegetables four or more times a week if their mothers did not consume that amount. A decrease in amount of fruits and vegetables consumed was seen when mothers saw their children as "picky eaters" -- unwilling to try new foods.

"Perceptions of a toddler as a picky eater may be related to parenting style or culture," Horodynski says. "Mothers who viewed their children as picky eaters may be more lax in encouraging the consumption of fruits and vegetables."

Horodynski and colleagues looked at nearly 400 low-income women with children ages 1-3 enrolled in an Early Head Start programs in 28 Michigan counties.