{"id":790716,"date":"2026-10-03T13:52:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T13:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/790716\/"},"modified":"2026-10-03T13:52:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T13:52:15","slug":"expert-explains-how-childhood-diets-can-shape-eating-habits-later-in-life-virginia-tech-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/790716\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert explains how childhood diets can shape eating habits later in life | Virginia Tech News"},"content":{"rendered":"

What children eat in their first years of life isn’t just about early growth, it’s a lifelong blueprint. Virginia Tech nutrition specialist Elena Serrano<\/a> explains how early flavor exposure shapes adult palates, why breaking early sugar habits requires fewer exposures than parents think, and ways to increase variety.<\/p>\n

How early do taste preferences develop?<\/p>\n

\u201cTaste preferences begin in infancy,\u201d Serrano said. \u201cOffering children a variety of foods and flavors throughout childhood, especially vegetables, helps them become familiar with foods that provide different nutrients. It\u2019s natural for children not to like or want to try a new food right away. Sometimes it takes eight to fifteen exposures before a child accepts a new item.\u201d<\/p>\n

How does early exposure to sugar impact long-term habits?<\/p>\n

\u201cRegularly eating sugary foods and drinking sweetened beverages can set a standard for sweetness,\u201d Serrano said. \u201cThat preference can follow a child into adulthood, making sugary foods more appealing while bitter foods, such as vegetables, may be left out.\u201d<\/p>\n

What simple swaps can families make to reduce added sugars?<\/p>\n

\u201cSports drinks, fruit drinks and breakfast foods such as cereals and muffins can contain more added sugar than parents realize,\u201d Serrano said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

She recommends several easy substitutions for daily meals and snacks<\/p>\n

Rethink drinks: Serve water or milk instead of sweetened drinks. Add watermelon slices in water for a slightly sweeter flavor.<\/p>\n

Swap desserts for fruit: Offer fresh fruit slices, dried fruit without added sugar, or canned fruit packed in water instead of cake or cookies.<\/p>\n

Upgrade breakfast: Serve oatmeal in place of sweetened cereal to reduce added sugar and increase fiber. Oatmeal can also cost less.<\/p>\n

What can parents do if a child already prefers sugary foods or drinks?<\/p>\n

\u201cMake small, incremental changes,\u201d Serrano said. \u201cFor example, if your child drinks fruit drinks, slowly decrease the portion you serve or add a little water to it. Over time, you can eliminate the fruit drink and replace it with water or milk.\u201d<\/p>\n

What is the difference between natural and added sugar?<\/p>\n

\u201cNaturally occurring sugars are found in foods such as fresh fruit,\u201d Serrano said. \u201cAdded sugars are sugars or syrups put into foods and drinks during processing, preparation or before eating. These can include fructose and dextrose.\u201d<\/p>\n

What is the key takeaway for parents and caregivers?<\/p>\n

\u201cThe earlier that healthy eating habits are established, the easier the changes are to sustain, Serrano said. Start early.\u201d<\/p>\n

About Serrano<\/p>\n

Elena Serrano<\/a> is a professor and nutrition specialist in Virginia Tech\u2019s Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise<\/a>. Serrano\u2019s research focuses on food, nutrition, and health education programs across the lifespan. Her work with Virginia Cooperative Extension<\/a> has focused on helping families across Virginia eat well, stay active, and access affordable, nutritious food.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Media Availability<\/p>\n

To schedule an interview with Serrano about childhood and adult nutrition, contact\u202f\u00a0mediarelations@vt.edu<\/a>.\u202f<\/p>\n

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