The SPORKS For Kids: Integrating Movement Into Nutrition Education

Abstract

Eating behaviors acquired early in life can persist across the lifespan; thus, the preschool years are an important period for the development of healthy eating habits. Willingness to try new or novel foods is an antecedent to a healthful diet, and repeated taste exposure and sensory exploration has consistently yielded the best outcomes for increasing willingness to try and consumption of target foods in young children.1-4 Repeated taste exposures to new foods in a fun, positive environment can increase children's willingness to try new food.