Contents
Refrain from the phrase: “Eat faster, we’re late!” sometimes no one, even the most perfect mother, can do it. Exactly how to stop, so as not to say another, no less sacred: “And so that the plate is clean!” What is the danger of such an approach?
When it comes to what and how we eat, we rarely use the words “food culture”. But before, there was nothing unusual about this: the whole family sat down at a beautifully served table, in the center of which there was certainly a tureen … We almost lost these habits, but it makes sense to start paying attention to them again. Why? The fact is that today the nutrition situation is complicated by the appearance of products with various additives of synthetic origin. And in order to avoid food “diseases of civilization”, it is necessary to teach children to eat right from early childhood. Scientists from Harvard University say that after 6 years, the consequences of irrational and insufficient nutrition can no longer be corrected only thanks to a balanced diet*. That is, not only is the task of parents to teach their child to eat wholesome food, they must also have time to do it before school! On the other hand, one must understand that the strictest prohibitions and the desire to completely restrict children from harmful, but attractive delicacies can provoke the opposite effect. Therefore, try to find a middle ground and at least occasionally allow children to try something from the category of “bad foods” without turning them (wittingly or unwittingly) into forbidden fruit.
1. Don’t make him eat up
In no case should you insist that the child “clean up” the plate – against his will, he finishes everything that you put to him.
2. Don’t let him snack on the run
Each meal should be a kind of ritual: a set table, beautiful dishes, enough time for the child to chew everything at his own pace.
3. Make sure he eats less “chemistry”
Try, if not eliminate, then at least reduce the amount of lollipops, candies, chewing gum and other chemical sweets. This becomes especially difficult when the child begins to socialize, go to kindergarten or school. Nevertheless, if he eats and loves fruits and berries from childhood, you will be able to keep them in the diet or offer a healthy alternative: natural marmalade, chocolate.
4. Protect Them From Bad Fats
Do not feed your children sausages, sausages, fast food and other foods containing trans fats – artificially synthesized butter such as margarine and other products that can be stored for a long time without oxidizing, rancid or losing their solid form even at room temperature. The same goes for chips and store-bought crackers with chemical flavors.
5. Say no to soda
Make sure that the child is used to drinking water and natural juices. Then it will be easier for you to limit (or completely eliminate) chemical soda.
6. Don’t Turn Food into a Reward or Punishment
“If you behave well, I’ll buy you a candy” is a fundamentally false statement, which is dangerous because in the future it can develop into such nutritional problems as anorexia nervosa or bulimia. To punish with food – “If you don’t eat the first one, you won’t get ice cream” – you can’t for the same reason.
7. Do not salt or add sugar to meals for the child to eat.
Salt and sugar are found in large quantities in food: just look at the packaging of the food you cook. And be surprised.
8. Be unanimous
Convince other family members to adhere to these rules: the principle of family values is very important in the formation of culture and proper eating habits from childhood.
Read more:
- Packing flavor
* С. Ebbeling, H. Feldman, S. Osganian, V. Chomitz, S. Ellenbogen, D. Ludwig «Effects of decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption on body weight in adolescents: a randomized, controlled pilot study» (Pediatrics, 2006).