Research shows as kids get older, they gradually lose their ability to regulate their food intake, meaning they get too little or too much food for their body type. "What Does Your Tummy Say?" is a children’s story that highlights the importance of tuning into hunger and fullness. It can serve as a conversation starter for families to share experiences and challenges and learn about healthy ways to relate to food.
Ever since Emily can remember, she has been encouraged to listen to her tummy. When Emily asks for more food or wants to leave the table, her mama What does your tummy say? When Emily enters the second grade, she is surprised to learn that not everyone listens to his or her tummy. Emily watches Larry the Lunch Monitor, Grandpa Jerry, and Aunt Jane not follow this simple rule -- and how they end up unhappy. Emily tries to help them discover the joys of listening to their tummies but fails miserably. That is, until her mama shares a secret that changes everything!
Maryann Jacobsen is a registered dietitian, family nutrition expert and independent author. She blogs at MaryannJacobsen.com, and is author of several books including From Picky to Powerful,How to Raise a Mindful eater, and her latest, My Body's Superpower: The Girls' Guide to Growing Up Healthy. She is co-author of Fearless Feeding .
Maryann is determined to break down the health-related barriers families face, which she believes has more to do with mindset and missing information, than time and skill. Her books help fill in these missing gaps so healthy habits are enjoyable and doable for the whole family.