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10 tips on healthy feeding

Toddlers tend to be suspicious of new foods and learn to prefer certain type of foods. These preferences result from the consequences of eating these foods as well as what happened during mealtimes.

For example, doing the old trick of “finish eating your veggie and you can get your dessert” on toddlers actually increases their craving of the dessert and dislike for the veggies.

It is essential to have a set of rules when it comes to feeding toddlers. Parents need to understand the art of healthy feeding; i.e. what foods to offer, when and how to offer.

When a toddler is not hungry it means that he has eaten enough. BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT HE HAS TAKEN THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF NUTRIENTS.

10 tips on healthy feeding:

  1. Plan the meal - use the healthy diet pyramid as a guide to ensure your child gets the right nutrients.
  1. Offer food at regular intervals - children can’t eat enough a one meal to last them more than 2 to 3 hours. Offer your child small portions and he can ask for more if he is hungry.
  1. No forcing please - pair something your child like with new foods. It may take up to 10 tries before your child is receptive of the new food. Be patient.
  1. Do not blend veggies - cut into small portions and offer them separately so that your child acquires different tastes and gets used to chewing.
  1. Eat with your child - this is how they model behaviour. If they see you eat and enjoy healthy foods, they are more likely to follow.

  1. Experimental food - think out of the box. For example, a pancake do not have to be sweet, instead it can be savour with veggie and fish in them.
  1. Home cooked foods are the best - you do not want your child’s taste bud accustomed to fries, sweet drinks and seasoned foods. Make a point to prepare home cooked food for them.
  1. Stock up healthy snacks - if chocolates and sweets are not available, children cannot eat them. So have good snacks such as low-sugar cereal, fresh fruits, small boxes of raisins or whole-grain crackers.
  1. Praise your child when he finishes a healthy food - use words of encouragement or non-food rewards like stickers or a trip to the playground.
  1. No food bribery please – It is a very common yet hazardous mistake made by parents. Avoid it at all cost!

Scientific evidence suggests that the most critical period in shaping a child’s food preferences are when he is at the age of 2 to 6 years old. So parents lets make an extra effort for the healthy of our children. Good luck!

 

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