How To Make A Child Eat Healthily?
A person’s quality of life is tied to his or her state of health, which is why it is important to get a child to eat healthily and exercise. Whether a child sees certain foods as healthy or unhealthy depends largely on the example given to him or her by his or her parents.
How to make a child eat healthily?
1. Let the child be involved in cooking
Let your child be involved in making food purchases and cooking. In this way, he better understands what he is eating and what it takes to prepare meals. Although food eaten at home is the responsibility of the parents, the child can sometimes be offered, for example, two healthy meal options from which he or she can choose to prepare for the whole family.
2. Take the child to where the food comes from
In addition to being able to take your child to grocery shopping, he or she can be taken to a local market, farm or berry farm, for example. His perspective changes as he understands where the food comes from and, for example, gets to pick the berries himself. If there is space in your own yard or balcony, you can grow vegetables and herbs with a child on a small vegetable garden.
3. Prepare healthy snacks
If only healthy foods are available in the refrigerator, the child will get used to them. Instead of ready meals and foods high in sugar and bad fats, you should buy fruits, vegetables, roots, nuts, and other healthy snacks and ingredients for your home.
4. Remind your child to drink regularly
In addition to a balanced diet, the body should be well hydrated. Healthy eating habits also mean drinking plenty of water and natural juices and smoothies. Whenever possible, offer your child new healthy foods.
5. Be a good example yourself
A child’s food preferences are largely due to their parents. The child learns about the parents’ habits already in the mother’s womb. When you go out to eat with your family, try to choose the most balanced options that your child can choose in the future. Giving a good example is the best way to motivate a child to lead a healthy lifestyle.
6. Be long-term
The child should taste the new food more than once before he starts liking it. If your child doesn’t like food the first time they taste it, try a different method or preparation next. Don’t give up, even if your child rejects food the first time – it’s common for a child to take a moment to get used to new flavors and compositions.
7. Remember reasonable dose sizes
It is a good idea to consider the age of the child before placing a full plate in front of the child. Do not require the child to eat everything. Focus on ensuring that your child eats healthy food and that his or her nutritional requirements are met.
8. Prepare food at home
Many foods purchased at the grocery store or served in chain restaurants are unhealthy. They contain added sugar and bad fat that can be avoided when cooking at home. If you don’t have time to cook daily, you can prepare food many days in advance.
9. Pay attention to the whole instead of individual doses
If a child eats generally healthy, he or she can occasionally enjoy sweets or burgers. The basis of the diet and most of the foods eaten should be healthy, but a balanced diet can also include, for example, desserts from time to time.
Take care of both your own and your child’s health and help your child be responsible in their own choices. You provide an important foundation for your child to know who will take care of their own health in the future.
