How to Get Your Kid to Eat Healthy
Kids can be picky eaters. In fact, many a time they are. Their taste buds need satisfaction each time they put something on their tongue. Result? Easy addiction to junk food, full of addictive flavours and unhealthy elements. A preference for fast food, that is low on nutrition, is a mass epidemic among kids. How can one fight off this epidemic?
As a parent, you of course know the importance of a good, healthy, balanced and nutritious diet for your child. But sometimes, it becomes difficult to give your child what is good for them during their development stage. A consistent, healthy diet is a task easier said than accomplished. Think about it – how many adults themselves are able to ignore the call of tasty, attractive-looking foods?
In our latest blog, we give you some simple tips, which can affect the way your child, you and your whole family approach food.
- Planned Meal Timings
In their growing age, kids need to eat something every 3-4 hours. Make these meal-timings consistent. When your child is well-fed and hydrated, chances are they won’t feel famished and throw junk food tantrums. A planned schedule for a meal also helps metabolism function smoothly, thus adding to overall body health. - Hydration
When you think of food, don’t just think solids. Fluids also form an important part of your child’s diet. Some whipped buttermilk, flavoured water infused with cucumber and mint, home-made smoothies and shakes – all of these are so much better than market bought fizz and sugar-heavy drinks. - Avoiding Packaged Food
Ingredients – especially spices and condiments – added to packaged food are often highly addictive. Much of packaged food thrives on preservatives, many of which are harmful to children (and even adults!). Coming with so many negatives they of course do you no good. Most of them lack basic and important nutrients. Why then spend money on packets full of air and jeopardise your child’s health? - Adding Colour and Taste
Food that is attractive goes down well with children. Add colour. Play with food presentation. Get creative. And get basic flavours right. Think what tickles your taste buds; the same will grow on your children too! A dash of lemon or exposure to your culture’s culinary tradition – fresh, well-cooked meals are loved by members of the family around the dining table. In the name of healthy, you don’t have to compromise on flavours. - Holding Back
Do not over-instruct your child while eating. Do not constantly chide your child by saying ‘eat your veggies’ or ‘gobble up the greens’. If they feel pressured, your children will forever rebel against the good food habits you’re trying to instill in them. Serve them a good meal and let your kids shoulder the responsibility of putting it inside their tummies.
Kitchens are domestic laboratories. Wide experimentation with flavours and ingredients can be conducted in them. Pick up that apron, whether you are the father or the mother, and see what can you do to serve the correct proteins, minerals, and vitamins in the plates of your children. Educate yourself and trust local wisdom. What your parents fed you and what the local communities around you eat is the best to share with your kids. Raise them smart, raise them healthy!