Teaching children to eat well in childhood is essential for them to learn to eat healthy, knowing which foods help them grow and what they should not eat because it hurts them. This is the basis for children to have a healthy relationship with food. Because there is a very narrow line between eating and using food as comfort for other matters.
Food produces a certain pleasure, a moment of satisfaction when savoring what you are taking and it is not a bad thing. Unless it becomes a habit, because at that point food becomes a problem. Using food to feel better, to calm down when nervous, or to enjoying a moment of happiness is having a bad relationship with food.
Therefore, it is very important for children to understand that food is something their body needs to function well. That they can enjoy some flavors more than others, that food can be fun. But that a moment of fun should not be associated with certain types of food. These are the keys for your children to have a healthy relationship with food.
Establish good eating habits in the family
That children learn by example is something we already know, so, if they see parents binge eating, they will end up doing something similar. Good eating habits are beneficial for the whole family, because by teaching children to eat well, everyone ends up eating better. To establish those good habits, you can follow these tips.
- Eat at the table without distractions: It is proven that eating in front of television makes you fat, because you are not aware of what you eat and it takes longer to notice the feeling of satiety. Eating at the table, without distractions and paying attention to what you eat, is the best way to learn to eat quietly. Children will be more aware of what is on their plate, which is essential in a good relationship with food.
- You have to eat everything: Vegetables and fruits should form part of children's diet, constantly and abundantly. Like any other food that they may like less, such as legumes or fish.
- At dessert time: Chocolate or cakes are not a dessert, unless it is something specific or a special occasion. A healthy dessert is a piece of fruit or a yogurt, something to complete the meal with.
What about fast food?
Fast food is designed to be viewed as fun, it is eaten with your hands and it is not very formal, in the case of children it contains a gift, that is, it also has a prize. As a marketing strategy it is ideal, but causes a very negative effect on children. Because any other food that doesn't have a gift or that involves using cutlery is instantly no longer fun.
It is not about not allowing children to eat hamburgers or sweets from time to time, but to learn how to eat them in a healthy way. For example, it can be prepared at home with healthier products, both fast food and the trinkets. Very important is eliminate the concept of prize associated with food, because we must not forget that one must eat to feed oneself, not to reward oneself for something well done.
Signs that children have a bad relationship with food
Being alert to some red flags is essential to remedy quickly and effectively. Because once bad habits are established, it is much more complex to redirect the situation. These are some unhealthy attitudes.
- The child eats compulsively, more than necessary and with hardly any chewing.
- He hides food in his room, either to eat it secretly or to avoid having to eat it.
- You are losing weight inexplicably.
- Evita eat in front of other people.
Food also serves as a gauge for children's emotions and by attending to them, you can learn a lot about their mood. Teach your children to eat well, to eat food to keep your body strong and healthy. Thus, they will learn to take care of themselves and they will know how to eat well for the rest of their lives.