Zarafshan ShirazNew Delhi
As children grow older, changing eating habits make it difficult to feed them, and children are often seen eating while watching TV, tablets or mobile phones at home. Feeding children takes time, which makes it easier for parents to feed their children while watching cartoons on the screen, but various surveys and studies show that this practice also has its downsides. shows.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle on World Sight Day, Susmita N, Clinical Nutritionist, Cloud Nine Hospital Group, Bangalore, Bellandur, Jayanagar recommends, This will help you become aware of your body’s cues. Looking at a screen while eating can distract you and make you stop paying attention to what food is on your plate, the texture of your food, and the amount of food you eat. It has also been observed that the intake of unhealthy junk food increases between meals as people do not remember the amount of food they have eaten in a meal. Poor intake of vegetables and fruits is also observed in these children. ”
Nutrition experts revealed that children who spend more time on screens are exposed to more junk food due to advertising aimed at young people. Habit. Letting children play outside increases their appetite and makes them more picky about what food is served. Parents can use this to their advantage by providing healthy food options. Avoid junk food as snacks and offer nutritious fruits, milkshakes/smoothies, roasted nut mixes, makhanas, etc. Keep healthy snack options at home. ”
She further added, “Family plays an important role in mealtimes. Parents must set an example for their children. Having family mealtimes away from distractions is a great way to It helps improve habits, improve communication skills, and strengthen bonds. Research shows that children who eat with their families eat more vegetables and fruits and are more likely to have healthy eating patterns. There is a positive correlation between eating together as a family and improving children’s cognitive abilities, which leads to better academic performance.”
Susmita N suggested the following tips to make mealtimes as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.
- Provide healthy and acceptable food.
- Respect children’s abilities. If your child says they’re full, don’t force them to empty their plate.
- Allow them to choose at least two healthy foods. Give them healthy options.
- Don’t nag, bribe, or force your child to eat. Always remember that children will not like the food they are forced to eat.
- Please remove shielded electronic devices of any kind from the dining area.
- Have age-appropriate conversations with your children. Ask them how their day was, ask about their friends, and discuss topics of interest.
- Plan tomorrow’s meals keeping your child’s food interests in mind.
- Lead by example and follow what you preach. Parents should not be distracted while feeding their children.
- Plan your meals the day before. 3 nutritious staple meals and 2 snacks. Try to include grains, colorful vegetables, seasonal fruits, and protein sources.
- Limit screen time after meals.
She says, “Decreased psychosocial skills and decreased cognitive development are also observed in children who spend more time on screens. Reduced physical activity leads to decreased metabolism, which contributes to obesity in children. Over time, these children grow into relatively obese adults with eating disorders.”
