As I continue with my lifelong stuggle with weight, there must be some hidden answers as I watch my kids's food behaviors. I have 5 kids and each one has a different approach to food.
One child couldn't care less about food. He is never in the kitchen, skips meals that he doesn't care for, and has all his interests elsewhere. If he goes to a birthday party, he will be lucky to eat half a piece of pizza because he is so excited about all the activity.
Another is always in the kitchen, keeps an eye all the food out all the time, is the first to arrive at meals and the last to leave, and has a longing to eat all the time. If she goes to a birthday party, she will be hanging out by the pizza or the cupcakes to make sure she doesn't miss out and hopes to get seconds.
The others all fall in a range between those other two.
Sadly, I see myself in the food obsession of my daughter. I know my brain lights up like a Christmas tree when I eat salty or sugary food and has since I can remember. I walk 3 miles a day and play lots of tennis but it not enough to counter act the calories in. I can white knuckle and clench jaw a diet for 2-3 days but then my will gives out. I try to behave like my son, and keep my attention on other things. I keep healthy food in the house.
The brain is a powerful thing. I will continue to try to mold it and change it into acting on healthy, mindful behaviors.