As parents, raising healthy children is an unsaid priority. Even if we don’t care much about our health, our children’s health still concerns us. And when it comes to raising healthy children, it obviously means healthy eating habits that assist them to grow healthier.
What are Unhealthy Eating Habits?
Before we try to curb unhealthy eating habits, we need to be clear in our mind as to what exactly is counted as an unhealthy eating habit.
Primarily, any eating style that deprives us of the necessary nutrition that our body requires, is an unhealthy eating habit. It can include undereating and overeating, not eating healthy food or eating more unhealthy food, and a large intake of sugar and/or salt, also it can include less intake of fiber as compared to the intake of fats.
Learn about Kids’ Daily Routines, A Realistic Approach.
Practical Tips to Curb Kids’ Unhealthy Eating Habits:
Instil Healthy Eating Habits:
The first and essential step for curbing unhealthy eating habits is to instill healthy eating habits right from the beginning. During the first year, usually around ages 4 to 7 months, babies’ taste starts to develop. This is when you can try all sorts of healthy (easily digestible) foods for your baby including high-fiber food such as whole grain cereal, nuts powder, mango, apples, carrots, beetroot, avocado, pears, beans, leafy greens, yogurt, etc.
Regular Family Meals:
Family meals or regular meal times help create a healthy eating routine. This practice works wonders, it provides quality family time, the entire family knows when the food will be served, everyone eats the same food, fewer chances of snacking on unhealthy food. Family meals are a great chance for parents to introduce new foods to their kids, teach them healthy eating habits, and be role models for healthy diets.
Do as You Preach:
Children imitate their parents in everything, including the way parents dress, talk, work, and eat. If you worry about your health, your kids will learn to care for theirs. If you eat healthily, your kids will definitely learn to eat healthily. Also, when it comes to healthy eating habits, it also includes positive talk about food and diet. No food is bad until it’s consumed in unhealthy ways, nor ‘being skinny’ should be the goal that you set for your kids. Healthy eating includes a positive attitude towards eating as well as a positive body image.
Give Healthy Choices, Stock Healthy Food:
Kids will eat what is usually accessible to them at home. So, when you stock healthy food options only, they’ll be snacking the same. Other times, kids might not want to eat what you offer them and on such occasions, you need to suggest healthy choices. If your child doesn’t consume milk, flavored milk is a good choice to offer rather than giving soda.
Give Them Autonomy:
Being a bossy parent can only create rifts. Children need limited autonomy when it comes to eating. For instance, let your kids decide when they’re hungry when they want to have snacks, what they prefer to eat, etc. Also, parents can always take input from their kids when deciding on the dinner menu. It not only gives them a sense of independence but also makes them excited to eat what they suggested.
