Kids usually love eating food that satisfies their tastebuds and cravings. Agreed? Trying different tricks to get them eat healthy food doesn’t always work of which most of the parents out there are aware.
As it is well known to everyone, the food little children love the most is usually not so nutritious as they are usually fond of sugar-loaded or fatty food that tastes delicious and makes them happy.
When preparing food for children at home, parents many times face challenges with the choice of healthy ingredients as kids prefer food that pleases their taste buds rather than nutritious snacks or meals.
Encouraging children
It is right to have concerns about children’s eating habits as it contributes to their overall growth and development as well as their immune function. But it is not necessary to compare yourself with other parents and feel disappointed or frustrated about not being able to convince your child into eating the healthy food you expect them to eat.
Children differ in their choices of food and all kids don’t love the same kind of food. It is important to stay positive with your efforts and keep encouraging your child with love and positivity. In the long run, you will be able to see a gradual improvement in your child’s eating habits as well as in your bonding with your child.
Here are a few tips to help you encourage children to eat food that is healthy and nutritious.
1. Start small
Start any new food with small servings. If your child is still hungry or asks for more, provide more. Allowing your child to choose the portion size to begin with makes him/her comfortable.
2. Reduce fast food
When visiting restaurants, check the menu for healthier options and avoid ordering fast food. Reducing the intake of fast food by the family encourages children to try healthier options.
3. Out of sight
Keeping a bag full of commercial food packets on the table on in front of kids could tempt them into eating junk food. Keeping such food out of sight helps you control how often kids get to eat non-nutritious food.
4. Skipping meals
Ensure that kids do not skip meals, as it skipping a meal can make children hungry and tired, with increased cravings for unhealthy food that pleases the tastebuds.
5. Offer variety
Eating the same vegetable or fruit everyday might seem uninteresting over time. Offer a variety of nutritious and healthy eating options so that kids get to choose from options and try different foods. Make it positive, and fun.
Why eat healthy food?
Helping our little ones understand why eating a variety of healthy foods and reducing non nutritious food is of utmost important, especially when there are a wide range of commercially packed attractive food products available everywhere in todays’ age.
Healthy food helps kids maintain a healthy weight, supports brain development and cognitive function, strengthens the immune system, and helps them enjoy good health in adulthood.
A balanced diet loaded with various nutrients provides provides good amount of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbs and healthy fats required to support the physical and cognitive development of kids, and helps them develop a healthy lifestyle that is essential for all age groups.
What not to do?
There are certain habits that are to be avoided by parents so that kids do not get into a habit of eating fast food and resort to non nutritious food in daily life:
- Avoid bribing kids with junk food or sugar-stuffed desserts as rewards for eating healthy food.
- Do not make it a habit to regularly order food from outside and depend on eateries for important meals.
- Avoid buying food products on attractive offers as you could end up buying big quantity of non-nutritious food that can attract your kids easily and keep them from trying healthy food options.
How do you manage to follow healthy eating habits and inspire kids in daily life? Do share in comments.
This Post Has 5 Comments
This is a challenge with a family of picky eaters but it is so important! Thanks for sharing!
Thank You for sharing your thought.
Yes, it is definitely not so easy, but parents need to keep going with their efforts.
I totally agree with not bribing the children with junk food and sweet treats as a reward because more than helping it changes the value of healthy food. The children will consider eating healthy food as a punishment rather than a healthy choice.
Thank you sharing your opinion on this topic.
It’s so true that bribing kids with junk food and sweet treats doesn’t help them develop healthy eating habits.
Pingback: 5 Time-Saving Hacks For Busy Moms - Natural goodness