Every parent wants what’s best for their child. If you are a parent, it is your duty to ensure that they are safe, cared for and loved. However, when it comes to food, even the most caring parents also have some habits which are not that healthy for their kids. And if you think that you are we only one who could not follow a strict diet, then don’t worry, you are not. Child nutrition can be very tricky, especially with those who have a very busy schedule and are picky eaters.
Hence, we are here to provide you with an article where we will discuss some of the most common nutrition mistakes that a panel can make and how you can gently avoid them for better nutrition.
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Skipping Breakfast or Giving an Unhealthy Start
Most of us have a very busy morning while rushing out the door, filled with our first priority. But it is not the same for the kids because keeping breakfast or starting the day with something sweet is like running the day on an empty stomach.
We may think that a quick bowl of cereal or packet pastry is enough, but it is usually loaded with carbs and sugar. This might make your child feel in a dress for an hour, but soon they will feel low in energy and will face poor concentration at school.
Better option for a balanced breakfast:
Scrambled egg with toast
Oats with fruits and nuts
A healthy smoothie of milk and banana
All the above-mentioned provide the makings of a protein and complex carbohydrates, while the fruits help to fill their body and mind all the morning.
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Over-Reliance on Processed & Packaged Foods
We often will I on packet snacks when our kids are hungry. But these packaged foods like instant noodles very birds and biscuits, do not have that much Nutrition. They only feel their stomach for a while, but over time it contributes to weight gain and even board immunity.
Better options for quick snacks:
- Fresh fruit
- Roasted nuts
- Homemade popcorn vegetable stick with Hamas
Are you need is just a little preparation this which is just as convenient and provides more nourishment.
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Forcing Kids to Eat or Ignoring Hunger Cues
We, at some point in our lives, have grown up hearing that we must finish our play during our mealtimes. Even though it has a good intention but forcing the children to eat when they’re full can actually teach them to ignore what their body is signaling to them. This leads to overeating habits in the later phase of life.
It is very important to respect their natural hunger and encourage mindful eating. Let your child eat slowly and understand when they are full to stop without guilt. A child will not starve itself and will ask for food when they are hungry
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Not Offering a Balanced Plate
Sometimes, with you a children’s meals have with excess of one type of food group. For example, lots of rice pasta or roti, while vegetables and proteins are present in very small amounts. This leads to an imbalance and can result in low nutrients.
The secret is to provide a colourful plate that contains every type of food in the right amount. The right plate should contain –
- A portion of carbs, like roti rice or pasta
- A protein source like paneer, chicken, or lentils
- Healthy fats like nuts or ghee
- Plenty of vegetables.
In a school lunch box, you can pack a chicken roll or paneer roll along with some vegetables or fruits and some almonds. This is a simple and balanced meal that covers all food groups.
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Too Many Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks like juices of rain and even clever milk may look healthy or harmless. But trust us when we say that the hidden sugar can be very shocking and harmful to the health. Consuming too much sugar not only damages the teeth but can also lead to high energy and energy crashes. This also leads to weight gain and poor focus.
One of the great ways is to introduce water as the main drink of choice. Some other rate options are given below:
- Fresh coconut water
- Plain milk
- Homemade smoothie with natural fruits.
They’re a great drink option that keeps you hydrated and nourishes you without any extra sugar.
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Ignoring Special Nutritional Needs
Parents often miss something that is very important to build a strong immune system and a healthy lifestyle. Iron, calcium vitamin Deficiencies are very common in children and they often go unnoticed. They only come under notice when they cause problems like fatigue or delayed road. The same thing happens with food allergies or food intolerances, and gets brushed off as a side without being addressed properly.
These little issues can make a huge difference, and noticing them early can make great changes. If you notice some unusual symptoms, then it is advised to consult a pediatric dietician or a child nutritionist in Mumbai. They can help identify the issue and create a personalized diet plan according to the requirements of your child.
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Using Food as a Reward or Punishment
We often build wrong food relationships by using food as rewards or punishments. “ If you eat your veggies, you will get an ice cream.” Doesn’t it sound familiar? This might work temporarily, but it becomes a bad eating habit in the long run. You should teach your children to understand the importance of food without creating any bias.
Instead of using food as a reward, some of the other non-food rewards are extra playtime or fun activities. Make healthy eating a part of every life rather than making it a condition for getting something better.
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Not Setting the Right Example at Home
One of the favourite habits of kids is copying their parents. They copy what they see, so it is important to set the right example at home. If you snack on unhealthy foods or skip meals, your child will copy you. However, if you have a healthy eating habit and take meals timely, it provides a positive effect on your kids.
Small habits like enjoying a bowl of salad, sitting down for family meals or drinking water shape their eating habits. Your habits set the foundation for their lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Parenting is already hard, and preparation of choosing the right food for your kid makes it harder. However, what matters is being aware of the common mistake and making consistent changes. You can build lifestyle of good nutrition by offering balanced meals and creating healthy eating habits yourself as well as your kids. This might feel overwhelming, so if you ever feel stuck, don’t his death to reach out to a professional child nutritionist in Mumbai. A child nutritionist in Mumbai can guide you with a personalised solution and help you build strong eating habits for your kids for a healthy future.