Encouraging children to eat healthy foods is one of the most important challenges. parents Many children tend to prefer sweet, fatty and high-calorie foods and this can lead to problems such as obesity, heart diseases, diabetes and digestive disorders. In this article, the causes of malnutrition in children and the reasons that cause them to food go unhealthy, and various methods are proposed to encourage children to eat healthy and varied foods.

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Causes of bad food and desire for unhealthy food

Before we want to offer solutions to encourage children to eat healthy food, we must examine the main causes of bad food and children's desire for unhealthy food.

1. Effects of media and market advertisements

Children are exposed to television and digital advertisements, most of which are related to high-calorie, sweet and nutrient-poor foods. These advertisements with attractive colors and lovable characters are usually designed for children and lead them to choose unhealthy foods. These types of foods often look enticing and the child is attracted to them because of their attractive appearance and sweet taste.

2. The child's lack of awareness of the benefits of healthy foods

Children are often not aware of the benefits of healthy foods and do not know how these foods help their growth and health. As a result, they may refuse to eat them and show more interest in sweet and processed foods.

3. Easy availability of unhealthy foods

Unhealthy foods such as chips, chocolate, sweets and soft drinks are easily available to children. These foods are usually widely available in stores and supermarkets and are easily accessible. As a result, when the child is hungry, he naturally goes to these quick and easy foods.

4. Modeling from parents and other family members

Children follow their elders more. If parents or other family members do not have healthy eating habits and turn to unhealthy foods, the child also tends to copy these behaviors.

5. Wrong eating habits in childhood

Wrong eating habits may start from infancy or even during pregnancy. Consuming a lot of sweets and unhealthy foods during this period can cause dependence on these types of foods in the child and cause this habit to continue in the following years of his life.

How to encourage the child to eat healthy foods?

In order to solve the problem of children's malnutrition and encourage them to eat healthy foods, parents can use different methods and strategies:

1. Creating variety in healthy foods

Children usually welcome foods that are new to them. One of the effective ways to encourage children to eat healthy foods is to create variety in food. You can prepare different foods with different flavors and shapes so that the child enjoys eating them.

Solution:

• Introduce colorful and varied foods including vegetables, fruits and grains to the child.
• Use vegetables in foods such as pizza, burgers and pasta.

2. Child participation in food preparation

When children participate in the food preparation process, their interest in food increases. Let children participate in food shopping and food preparation. This not only gives them a sense of responsibility but also makes them more willing to eat the food they have prepared themselves.

Solution:

• Ask the child to help wash vegetables or cut fruits.
• Allow him to use different dishes to decorate the food.

3. Healthy food pattern for children

Children follow more than adults. Therefore, parents should eat healthy foods themselves regularly so that the child can follow them. When the child sees that his parents tend to eat fruits, vegetables and healthy foods, he will also be more inclined to consume these types of foods.

Solution:

• Parents should regularly eat fresh fruits and vegetables and use healthy drinks such as water and smoothies.
• Turn mealtime into an opportunity to accompany the child in eating healthy foods.

4. Using non-material rewards

Rewarding can be a good motivation to encourage children to eat healthy foods. Using non-material rewards such as confirmation and encouragement makes the child feel successful and more motivated to choose healthy foods. Solution: After eating a healthy meal, praise the child. Show him that eating healthy foods makes him grow better and feel good. 5. Education of the benefits of healthy foods to children

Education of the benefits of healthy foods to children can increase their motivation to eat these foods. You can inform the child about the benefits of healthy food such as fruits, vegetables and proteins by using stories and pictures that are attractive to the child.

Solution:

• Use books, videos and educational games to introduce the benefits of healthy foods.
• Explain to the child How eating healthy foods helps his body to be stronger and healthier.

Conclusion

Encouraging a child to eat healthy foods is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence from parents. By using different methods such as child's participation in food preparation, creating a positive environment, diversity in foods and modeling from parents, it is possible to gradually strengthen the child's interest in healthy foods. If these habits are properly formed in children, they will be more inclined to make healthy food choices in the near future.

Sources:

1. Birch, L. L. (2006). "Childhood obesity: the health crisis of the 21st century." Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 106(5), 1241-1249. Fisher, J. O., & Birch, L. L. (2002). "Eating in the absence of hunger and overweight in girls: a longitudinal study." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 76(1), 1-5.
2. Jansen, E., Mulkens, S., & Storcksdieck genannt Bonsmann, S. (2015). "Increased food intake following dietary restraint and emotional eating among adolescents." Appetite, 85, 101-107.