Guide To Help Your Child Pick Healthy Food

There are times when children can be picky eaters, which consequently hold the back from consuming a nutritious and balanced diet. It’s a soar topic in every household when children grow up and refuse to eat healthy food. There are few strategies that can help parents to prevent mealtime battles and be assured of concluding a week with right amount of nutrients.

One can follow below mentioned tips to provide a balanced diet to their growing children.

1. Your Childs Appetite should be Respected: Don’t force a meal or a snack if your child is not hungry. If they are hungry they will ask for food. Similarly don’t compare their appetite with other children. Avoid bribing children or forcing them to clear their plates. This will only reinforce or ignite a struggle over food which ultimately leads to hatred for mealtime. They will associate mealtime with frustration and anxiety. Always give them space and opportunity to ask for food independently.

2. Routine should be Followed: If you set a routine, you can bring in discipline in your child. This can be done by serving meals and snacks at the same time during the day. Also serve healthy juices or milk throughout the day as they help in stabilizing the appetite and bring discipline in routine.

3. Take External Help: if your child is too adamant and refuse to eat healthy food, take an external help. Can visit a dietician; consult a naturopathic doctor as they give household tips to improve appetite, or a counselor to convince your child about healthy food benefits.

4. Observe Patience while Introducing New Food: The best way to introduce new food to your child is to talk about its colour, shape, texture, and aroma and not about its taste. Always introduce new food with their favourite snacks. Child needs repeated exposure to new food before they enjoy their first bite. Do not give up easily.

5. Make it Interesting: Always present food in an interesting way. Add dip or sauces while serving vegetables, chop them in different shapes and sizes, or add small cheese starters before a healthy meal. Bright and colored food is also very attractive for kids.

6. Let your Child Assist you: Allow your child to select vegetables and fruits at the grocery store. This is the best way to encourage healthy consumption of food. They tend to eat as the food is selected by them. Also ask them to rinse vegetables, set the table for meal and stir the batter.

7. Set an Example: Children grow up by seeing their parent’s habits. If you eat healthy food, they will observe and follow the same trend.

8. Distractions should be Minimized: Ensure all the electronic gadgets near the dinner table are switched off. This will allow your child to focus while eating. At times advertisement on television can encourage children to demand for junk and sugary food.

9. Never offer Dessert as a Reward: Holding dessert till the end and using it as a bribe can be a biggest mistake. This gives an impression that they are the best food. It can be offered once in a week. Desserts can also be redefined as yogurt, fruit custard or other healthy choices.

Always ensure that a single and similar meal is prepared for everyone at home. Avoid preparing different food for your child. This would increase their rejection for healthy food.