Nurturing Healthy Habits: Expert Tips to Encourage Your Child To Eat Nutritious Meals

Are you tired of asking your children to eat their food? Is your child a fussy eater and you worry about providing complete nutrition for them? For children's overall well-being and development, promoting healthy eating habits is crucial. We spoke to our expert, Apurva Agarwal, Certified Nutritionist, who listed tips that you can follow to make your child eat more.

Tips To Make Your Child Eat More

Agarwal listed some effective tips to make your child eat more and develop a positive relationship with food: 

Lead by Example

Children often mimic their parents' behaviour. Hence, set a good example by incorporating a variety of nutritious foods into your diet. This not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also encourages your child to explore new flavours.

According to the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), parental feeding practices may be an excellent target for treatments to avoid unhealthy eating patterns and the development of excess weight in children, even though eating behaviours and child weight are difficult to control directly. 

Make Meals Enjoyable

Create a pleasant eating environment. “Turn off electronic devices, gather as a family at the dining table, and engage in conversations. Making mealtime enjoyable fosters a positive association with food”, added Agarwal.

Also Read: 7 Healthy Breakfast Ideas You Can Make For Your Child

Involve Them in Meal Preparation

You should allow your child to participate in meal preparation. Whether it's washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, or setting the table, involving them in the process can make them more invested in the meal.

Offer a Rainbow of Colours

Agarwal emphasised, “Present a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables. Different colours indicate diverse nutrients and a visually appealing plate is more likely to attract a child's attention. Experiment with creative presentations to make meals visually stimulating.”

Small, Frequent Meals

Instead of three large meals, offer smaller, more frequent meals and snacks. This can prevent your child from feeling overwhelmed and increase their overall food intake.

Be Patient and Persistent

Introducing new foods may take time. “Be patient and persistent, exposing your child to different flavours. It often takes multiple attempts before a child develops a liking for a particular food”, informed Agarwal.

Also Read: Don't Eat Your Food In A Hurry: Expert Lists Benefits Of Eating Slowly

Limit Distractions

You should minimise distractions during meals. Avoid allowing your child to watch TV or play with electronic devices while eating. Distractions can lead to mindless eating, and children may not fully recognise satiety cues.

Provide Healthy Snack Options

Keep a variety of healthy snacks readily available. Cut fruits, yoghurt, and whole-grain crackers are excellent choices. Having nutritious snacks accessible makes it easier for your child to make healthier food choices throughout the day.

Celebrate Successes

Celebrate small victories. When your child tries a new food or finishes a well-balanced meal, acknowledge and praise their efforts. Positive reinforcement can reinforce healthy eating behaviours.

Consult a Professional

Agarwal said, “If you encounter persistent challenges, consider seeking advice from a registered dietitian or nutritionist. They can provide personalised guidance based on your child's specific needs and preferences.”

Bottomline

Agarwal concluded, “Incorporating these tips into your daily routine can contribute to creating a positive eating environment for your child. Remember, fostering healthy eating habits is a gradual process, and your guidance plays a pivotal role in shaping their relationship with food.”

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your dietitian if you notice eating problems in your child.]