.jpeg)
Importance of Healthy Eating Habits
Eating habits in kids have a great impact on their mental as well as physical health. Not only this but, healthy eating also forms the base for a kid's adolescence and adulthood years as eating healthy helps a child to grow. So, what exactly are healthy eating habits? For some, it means sticking to vegetarian and plant-based food, while for some it is to consume animal-based protein. Some parents stick to a very strict diet avoiding sugar and junk intake for their kids, while some of the parents feel it is okay to consume it once in a while. So, if we look at the bigger picture, then we can see the obvious difference in the meaning of the healthy diet, but it still holds similarities.
These similarities are what a parent should focus on. As per the researchers, a diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, proteins, as well as oil is a perfect and balanced diet not only for kids but for all age groups. Healthy eating also means avoiding added salts and sugars and saturated fats. A kid can still intake these items, however in limit will be good for their health, while anything in access will be harmful.
Why is it important to have healthy eating habits in kids?
So, the major reason to make your kid have a wholesome food habit is to ensure that their bodies are getting every nutrient it needs in the proper amount. Essential minerals, vitamins, and all other nutrients will help a kid to fulfil the requirement for healthy growth and mental as well as physical development. Have a look at this basic list of the nutrients and their importance, this will help a parent understand the importance of healthy eating habits in kids in a much better way.
-
Vitamin D and Calcium: It is necessary for the regular growth and development of bones in children, Also Vitamin D helps strengthen the immune system.
-
Omega-3 DHA - It promotes normal brain function.
-
Iron: It supports normal cognitive growth in kids.
Now, let us have a look at the importance of healthy eating habits in kids and why is it so important to promote them? Here is the list of reasons every parent should know.
-
Controls the weight of kid- India is among the top 5 countries in the world to have 15% obese kids. If at a young age a kid is suffering from obesity, then there is a high chance of risk and life-threatening conditions all throughout his life. If the weight of the kid is controlled at the right age, they would most probably grow up as a healthy and fit individual.
-
Regulates the energy level- Kids do and learn a lot of things all day long. They are the small energy packets running around the house. But, if their diet lacks proper nutrition, they are probably going to be easily tired and this will lead to a lack of learning. Also, excessive sugar can make a kid feel a sugar rush and make them super active, this can also be a problem. So, a regulated diet will help a parent regulate the energy level of their kid.
-
Improves the performance at school- A kid who is getting all the necessary nutrients will be more active as his brain cognitive abilities and all other functions are normal. The more attentive the kid is the more he is going to learn and understand. This, in turn, will improve the grades.
-
Forms the base of a life-long healthy habit- So, if a kid is used to eat a healthy diet, the probability of him growing up and following the same eating habit is high. Generally, habits are made when the kid is young. So, if a parent makes sure that their kids are following a healthy eating habit, then this will be a kid's life-long habit.
-
Reduces the health risks- Staying fit and eating healthy will obviously avoid a lot of health issues and risks a kid might face such as obesity that we already talked about. Not only weight issues, but teeth cavity issues, vision issues, calcium issues, and a lot many issues can be avoided just by eating healthy.
These were some of the benefits of eating healthy and why should a parent make their kids make a habit of eating wholesome food. It is not necessary to completely cut them off sugar and junk but moderate the intakes. A parent can have a family dinner at a junk food corner every now and then to embrace moderation. Remember it shouldn't be once a day but once a week or once a month. Intake of sugar-filled candies and pizzas and burgers once a day is super harmful. So, take the kids out once a week or once a month. This way the kid won't feel completely deprived of what they love and will happily follow the diet that their parents have made for them.