How to teach your kids about healthy eating?
As a parent, how can you teach and encourage your child to develop healthy eating habits? Here’s everything you need to know.
The past two years have been very challenging for everyone, regardless of age. Almost all of us are suffering from the pain caused by Covid-19 and the resulting lockdowns. Especially children who have been forced to quarantine for almost 18 months. During this time, excessive screen time, lack of exercise, and changes in diet and sleep habits became a routine that seriously affected her health. But the pandemic has underscored the importance of good health, strong immunity and the effectiveness of good eating habits.
As India celebrates National Nutrition Week (September 1st to 7th), parents need to pay more attention to their children’s health, raise awareness of healthy eating, and support them in pursuing career goals.
So, how can parents teach and encourage their children to develop healthy eating habits? Here are some tips to to teach kids about the significance of a healthy diet:
1- Prioritize a family meal time
Setting the time means creating a routine. Setting mealtimes teaches children the importance of eating on time and inculcates habits. At the same time, eating together teaches children how following eating habits works effectively for their digestive system and how it positively impacts their health.
2- Focus on Healthy and daily breakfast
Children often skip breakfast because they are in a hurry or are reluctant. Breakfast provides the energy you need to start your day and covers the energy needs of your body’s cells. It also helps the development of the whole body. You need to teach your child the importance of breakfast. Breakfast is not an elaborate meal. You should concentrate on eating. You can make it a habit to eat nutritious whole grains, fruits, and other foods.
3- Teach them about the bad effects of fast food
Children like to eat fast food that contains elements that are very harmful to their health.It is necessary to make children aware of the negative effects of consuming such foods regularly and limit their intake. They contain extra calories that contribute to obesity and have many short-term and long-term effects.
4- Develop the habit of eating organic foods
Organic foods are becoming more and more in demand due to their health benefits. Children should be taught about organic foods and how they help maintain overall health. Because they are naturally grown, they avoid the risks associated with pesticides, contain nutrients, and strengthen the immune system.
5- Involve kids in food shopping
One of the best ways to take responsibility for food planning and eating. It gives you the opportunity to teach your child the nutritional and calorie value of certain products, how to read and decide.
6- Be a role model for them by becoming healthy eater
Parents are the true heroes of every child.They observe, learn and follow their own habits. To encourage your child to do so, you should follow healthy eating habits. Including vegetables and fruits in your diet sends a good message to your children to take nutrition seriously.
