It is important for children to have healthy food habits so that they are able to maintain a desirable weight all through their lives. The parents have a duty towards their offspring to help them make healthy choices where their food intake is concerned. They can do so by following these guidelines:
It is up to parents to stock healthy nutritious food and snacks at home so that when the kids are hungry, they will opt for what is available. However, kids should be allowed to have what they like once in a while even if it is not nutritious so that they do not feel deprived and feel the need to cheat on a sly. Food should be served at regular intervals and not when it is convenient.
If the parents follow the first direction, then the kids should be allowed to choose what meals they want at what scheduled time. It would give them confidence and they will feel in control of their choices.
If the children feel that they have had enough, they should not be forced to finish whatever is left on the plates. Instead, they should be encouraged to take smaller helpings and take another one if they are still hungry. This way, they will learn to listen to their body and not tend to overeat.
Children develop likes and dislikes very early. So they should be served everything though not forced to eat if they don’t relish any food. Instead, offer them dishes cooked differently so that they may be able to make their own choices.
Parents should not assume that like all kids, their kids also would like fast food that is so much in craze these days. Children are willing to try new dishes if they are given the freedom of choice.
Children should be given only water and milk to drink. Other aerated or sweetened drinks hamper their nutrition balance. Even fruit juices should not be given too often.
Children should be taught right from their infancy that desserts are part of a meal and therefore should be taken in stride.
Food should not be used to show affection or appreciation otherwise in a later age, it maybe be used by older kids to cope with stress or other unhappy occasions.
It is important for the parents to choose nutritious meals and snacks for themselves, follow regular meal timings, and eat at the table with the rest of the family members. Children automatically follow their parents especially when it comes to their food choices. So it is essential for parents to be a good role model consciously.
Limiting TV and Computer time will encourage the kids to be more active otherwise mindless snacking will be eliminated from the routine too.
Children should be encouraged to have nutrient-dense foods like seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans, peas, soy products, nuts, and seeds which are good sources of protein. A variety of fresh or dried fruits should be necessarily be added every day. A good helping of seasonal vegetables and whole grains like oatmeal is a healthy and interesting food choice. Low-fat dairy products should supplement the meals.
Foods with added sugars, saturated and trans fat should be avoided as much as possible. Skipping meals especially breakfast should be frowned upon. In the end, I would like to emphasize that healthy nutrition for children strengthens their learning potential and well-being.
It decreases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and eating disorders when they grow older. And most important of all is that healthy children grow into healthy adults.
In conclusion, Avni Kaul not only provides comprehensive guidance on fostering healthy eating habits but also stands out as one of the top pediatric nutritionists in India. Her balanced approach and commitment to promoting nutritional awareness make her a trusted resource for families in Delhi and beyond, ensuring that children receive the essential dietary support they need for a healthy future.
Avni Kaul is a leading Dietitian & Nutritionist in Delhi NCR and the Founder of Nutri Activania. She holds a Master's Degree in Food and Nutrition from the University of Delhi and is a Certified Diabetes Educator from Project Hope and the International Diabetes Federation.
Her extensive experience includes serving as a Leicester Mamma's Ambassador, trained in Lactation Counselling with the NHS, United Kingdom.
Ms. Kaul specializes in key areas such as Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices, Pre- and Post-natal Diets, Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, and Holistic Health and Nutrition.
Nutri Activania, founded by Avni Kaul, a leading Dietitian & Nutritionist in Delhi & NCR. Offers personalized, science-based nutrition guidance for holistic health, wellness, fat loss, and nutrition.