Good health is not an overnight achievement. It is the outcome of good habits that one follows since early ages or childhood. A lot of course depends on the parents, and the diet they adhere to at home. The truth is that there is a common belief that children can eat anything and everything because they are young, active, have the ability to digest fast, and no harm can really come their way at such a young age.
Not all habits can be changed when enough harm has already been done. It is therefore crucial to instil in children the importance of eating healthy as early as possible. So here are some everyday food habits that children should start following -
1. No Skipping Breakfast: For children, since it is the time for their growth and development, skipping meals, especially breakfast, could hamper their health in many ways. According to a study done by King's College London, children who skip breakfast may be putting themselves at risk of malnutrition since they may not be consuming the recommended amounts of key nutrients vital for their health.
2. Fatty Snacks Shouldn't be an Everyday Affair: Children love snack time. After all the running around and games, hunger pangs make them seek munchies and other treats. Diets rich in fat deplete the levels of a key protein known as reelin which help synapses in the brain to work properly. According to a study done by Swiss researchers, low levels of reelin hampers behavioural flexibility and memory, putting kids at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in later life, other than problems like obesity, diabetes and more.
3. The Dark Side of Sugar: With sugar being tagged as the culprit behind deadly lifestyle diseases like diabetes, affecting even younger individuals, the need to watch children's sugar intake has become more crucial than ever before. Of course, you shouldn't completely deprive them of these sweet treats, but maybe make them aware of the dark side of sugar and its negative health consequences, and perhaps reserve sweet treats for special days or weekends.
4. Eating Greens: As kids, we hated being told to eat our greens, but there is no denying the fact that greens are essential for the growth and development of children as well as the well-being of adults.
5. Loving Fruits: All fruits contain a range of nutrients that are beneficial for the body in various ways. They are the perfect sources to get one's daily dose of minerals and vitamins. Fruits should be included in children's diet to make them reap their benefits. Besides they are sweet and juicy, and wouldn't need much convincing for the kids to munch on.
