Why Taste Training™?
Why Taste Training™?
Beyond the basic introduction of new flavors, there are a number of benefits to your baby’s health and wellbeing that come with a little Taste Training. This approach to feeding can add to your child’s development in both the short and long term. Here’s a detailed look at the benefits and the supporting research:
Nutritional Benefits
Our version of Taste Training does more than introduce a variety of flavors. Kekoa Foods baby food purée pouches not only combine an eclectic mix of herbs, spices, and flavors, but our pouches are packed with nutrients that are essential to an infant’s brain development during their critical first 1,000 days. Taste Training with Kekoa Foods offers your child a well-rounded diet, rich in various essential nutrients. With the introduction of these diverse vegetables, fruits, and spices the training will establish a preference for these nutrient-dense foods over the many less nutritious options your child will come across at their friends’ houses and in school cafeterias around the country.
Nutrient Dense Diet
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Introducing a variety of vegetables and fruits ensures a balanced intake of essential vitamins and minerals. For example, spinach and broccoli provide iron and calcium, which are critical for bone development and overall growth.
Reduced Risk of Obesity
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Early exposure to a variety of healthy foods can help develop lifelong healthy eating habits, reducing the risk of childhood obesity and related health issues. According to this study published in the Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology (JPTCP), early dietary habits significantly impact long-term health outcomes.
Developmental Benefits
Taste Training supports the overall development of children by
fostering healthy eating habits and promoting cognitive and sensory growth.
Enhanced Cognitive Development
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Nutrient-rich foods like those in Kekoa Foods' pouches contribute to brain development. For instance, Omega-3 fatty acids found in certain vegetables and seeds are vital for brain function and development, as highlighted by research from the National
Institutes of Health (NIH).
Sensory Development
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Regular exposure to various flavors may enhance sensory development. Babies learn to recognize and enjoy different tastes, which is crucial for their overall sensory experience and acceptance of new foods.
Behavioral Benefits
Early and diverse flavor exposure can significantly reduce picky eating behaviors, making mealtime more enjoyable for both parents and children.
Decreased "Picky Eating"
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Consistent exposure to the range of flavors found in Taste Training will decrease the chances of encountering a picky eating episode. This collection and review of studies found on the National
Institutes of Health website found that repeated exposure to diverse flavors increased acceptance of new foods in infants.
Less Stressful Mealtime
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By making mealtime a positive and exploratory experience, children are more likely to develop a healthy relationship with food. This approach can transform mealtime from a stressful situation into a one full of anticipation for the yummy flavors and foods on the way!
Real World Benefits
Yes, there are the scientific and nutritional advantages to Taste Training, but we cannot forget the practical, real-world benefits – Taste Training offers these small “wins” to enhance your family’s everyday life.
Dining Out
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Parents of children who have undergone Taste Training often find it easier to dine out at various restaurants without the need to rely on “children's menus” filled with less nutritious options like mac and cheese or chicken nuggets. Instead, children are more open to trying and enjoying a variety of dishes.
Family Meals
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Taste Training fosters a sense of inclusivity during family meals. Children who are accustomed to diverse flavors are more likely to eat the same meals as the rest of the family, promoting family unity and making meal preparation easier than having to make two or three meals to satisfy everyone.
Cultural Awareness
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Introducing children to global flavors can enhance their cultural awareness and appreciation for different cuisines. This broadens their palate and enriches their understanding of the world, making them more open-minded to new herbs, spices, and flavors, along with the cultures from which they came.
