6 Ways to Inculcate Correct Eating Habits in Children from Their Childhood
4. Learn healthy yet tasty recipes to make for them
Make boring or bland food such as veggies and fruits interesting and yummy for them to eat so that they are not tempted by the taste of junk food. Children often avoid healthy foods, but when those same foods are made interesting, they have it with joy and even ask for more. For instance, if your child hates biting into apple, blend the apples into a smoothie and serve them. Add some spices and light sauté the broccoli you serve them. There are umpteen dishes like this you can learn from cookery shows, books and the internet.
5. Do not use food as a reward
Because if you do, there can be long term implications that may not be in your favor nor in the favor of your child’s health. This habit can make his or her eating habits go haywire and can also make them obese as they would judge everything in terms of food. This will make them feel that every outing, every activity, everything they do, must be accompanied by a high calorie snack.
6. Explain them the pros of having healthy food in an appealing and friendly manner
They are children after all and you cannot reason with them like adults. You have to be proactive and friendly in order to influence and involve them in the healthy eating process. Use kid-friendly and colorful plates and spoons to make the platter of veggies or fruits look more appealing. Show your child rhymes, cartoons, videos and photographs of fruits and vegetables and their benefits. When feeding your child, use your creativity in concocting various stories about each vegetable a day. For older children, get picture books to garner interest. Another good way to make them eat healthily is by involving them in shopping, planning meals and cooking as this will keep them curious and interested in healthy foods. Also, persuade your child to try tasty alternatives instead of junk food – sample popcorn over potato chips, low fat fruit yogurt over ice cream, oven-cooked or grilled food over fried items and homemade baked food over pastries.
