We are all aware of how tough it is to persuade our children to eat nutritious foods. It is our hope that
we will be able to feed our children nutritious and clean food not only for their growth and health, but
also for them to become accustomed to the lifestyle so that they will grow up healthy and strong and
continue with it into adulthood. Balanced and clean food does not have to be a dull experience for our
children, as a parent you can offer your children healthy and nutritious foods while still teaching them to
appreciate them.
So, how can you persuade youngsters to eat meals they don’t particularly enjoy? In order to teach
children healthy habits parents and caregivers must teach them how to eat different kind of foods,
however, having a picky eater who only tries a limited range of foods can makes that difficult but sharing
positive experiences such as shopping, preparing and eating with the children will help develop healthy
habits over time and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Using role modeling as a technique to foster healthy eating habits demonstrates the enjoyment
experienced in eating nutritious food. Through role modeling children are motivated to eat a variety of
nutritious meals, which builds a good foundation of eating habits and supports physical, mental and
social development. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention research indicates that healthy
eating and healthy behaviors lead to better performance, higher grades, better attendance, better
focus, memory, and mood in children.
Using role modeling as a technique to foster healthy eating habits demonstrates the enjoyment
experienced in eating nutritious food. Through role modeling children are motivated to eat a variety of
nutritious meals, which builds a good foundation of eating habits and supports physical, mental and
social development. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention research indicates that healthy
eating and healthy behaviors lead to better performance, higher grades, better attendance, better
focus, memory, and mood in children.
Poor diet can negatively affect a child’s health and well-being, as well as their ability to lead an active and fulfilling life. A
child with poor nutrition may experience stress, fatigue, and a reduced ability to be productive in the short run, and in the long
run, it may suffer from certain illnesses and health problems such as:
- being overweight or obese
- tooth decay
- depression
- eating disorders.
There are numerous simple ways for parents to interest their children in eating healthy and clean, here
are a few suggestions to get you started:
1. Share meals that include a variety of foods from all food groups, such as dairy, vegetables, fruits,
grains, and proteins. Discuss the ingredients, for example whether they are local and if they are
growing on trees or on the ground.
2. Allow youngsters to choose a new fruit or vegetable and speak about how it grows or how to
cook it, encouraged learning is a terrific approach to expand their knowledge and readiness to
try new foods.
3. Engage children in food preparation, Children of all ages can assist in food preparation, whether
it’s pressing microwave buttons or cleaning fresh vegetables, and take on basic and safe
responsibilities.
4. Develop a daily meal and snack plan as part of a daily routine, children respond well to
structured routines, which transfer well to eating. Developing these habits early can influence a
child’s meals and snacking patterns in the future.
Each household will have their own way of engaging children with food, so start small. Begin by
implementing one approach and test it out, then adding more as they become part of your daily routine,
ensure that you share your accomplishments and make meal time enjoyable, relaxed, and cheerful.
For more information on wellness go to www.beaunik.co.za
