"Best Self Foods"
Brown is the first to tell you that restricting or labelling a food as "forbidden" increases the likelihood that you'll binge on it. This is true for adults, but especially kids. Using the phrase "best self foods" instead of "good or bad food" allows families to explore how healthy foods can enhance life and longevity, without promoting many of the classist and sexist ways in which food myths permeate our culture.
Avoiding labelling a food as bad, or even as "junk food" can help parents and caregivers discuss wise food choices in a way that empowers kids. In this scenario, junk food isn't a negative thing that we need to be rid of. (Thank goodness!) It's simply something that is fun, but doesn't necessarily promote our best self. Describing foods as "best self foods" also takes the perfectionism out of food. We don't have to always be eating kale and owning up to our best — it's okay to occasionally opt out of our absolute best and be more relaxed. However, it's important to recognise that as great as those moments feel, they will not help us become our best self. Using this phrase puts treats in their place, without using the negative cultural connotations that can come up. Most importantly. it gives children permission to fully enjoy treats when the opportunity presents itself, and promotes positive language around healthy food, forming a long lasting sense of empowerment in kids.