Healthy Eating Habits: Why Is It Important And How To Develop Healthy Eating Habits In Toddler's

Toddlers can be stubborn and unpredictable when it comes to feeding. They eat all day on certain days and would not eat much on other days. But, don't be worried. This kind of eating behavior is common during the growth and development stages of toddlers. As parents, we should understand how important it is for our children to eat a portion of balanced food. On the other hand, children's appetites can change from day-to-day. These changes are usually common and they are no longer cause for concern.

Learn more about what healthy eating is, why it is important, and how to help your toddler develop healthy eating habits.

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What Is Healthy Eating (or) Healthy Diet?

In general, healthy eating is eating a variety of foods that provides you with the nutrients and to stay healthy and energized. To stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight, toddlers must be physically active and consume a sufficient amount of nutrients to compensate for the energy they lose.

Typically, children's enjoy foods from the following food groups:

---> Fruits and vegetables

---> Whole grains

---> Meat and pulses

---> Milk and dairy products

---> Fat and oil

Note: Eating healthy does not mean avoiding foods high in saturated fats, added sugar, salt, and other unhealthy ingredients. However, eating those items in a limited amount will not hurt your children, but eating too much will result in weight gain.

Why Is Eating Healthy So Important?

For your children's growth and development, it is important that they must eat healthy food. Now, that you understand what healthy eating is, it is time to consider why it is so important. Healthy eating has a number of advantages for your children :

(i) It helps in the stabilization of their energy levels

Children who do not eat well may feel tired all day. On the other side, children who eat a lot of sugary foods may become overly active. A well-balanced, healthy meal will provide them with the right amount of energy for the day.

(ii) It improves their cognitive abilities

Healthy nutritious food is fuel for the brain, allowing children to focus more easily and improve their academic performance.

(iii) It helps in the maintenance of a healthy weight

Usually, ideal body weight varies from child to child, but eating healthy nutritious food helps your child to control his or her appetite, making it easier for your child to stay within the recommended weight range.

(iv) It helps in the prevention of  chronic illnesses

Consuming healthy nutritious foods lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, and other obesity-related conditions. It also helps in the prevention of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases.

(v) It contributes to physical and mental development

When your child is in the developing stage, he or she requires healthy and nutritious foods that will help in their physical and mental development.

How To Develop Healthy Eating Habit In Toddlers

It is best to develop a healthy eating habit in your child as soon as solid foods are introduced. However, if you find that mealtime is a challenge and your child is not eating as much as he or she used to, no worries. It is not too late for him or her to adjust their eating habits.

Here are some suggestions to help you develop healthy eating habits:

1. Maintain a Regular Schedule

It is a parent's responsibility to serve a healthy nutritious food for their children, and your work is done once you have served them. It is now your child's turn to eat, and it is completely fine if they eat a lot, a little, or nothing. However, you should stick to your schedule, which includes three healthy meals and two to three snacks per day, as well as enough fluids.

2. Make a Mealtime Pleasurable Experience

Encourage your children to eat, but do not force them to do so. Allow them to choose how much of what you have served to eat. Mealtime can be an unpleasant experience if you put pressure on your children to eat something or to complete the dish. When children are forced to eat, they usually respond badly, and this does not help them to like-new foods in the long run, even if it is offered as a reward.

3. Have Faith in your Toddler

Take your children's word, when they said they are full. As children's bodies grow and develop, their hunger levels can change. It can be difficult for parents to accept that their children can feel full after having three to five bites. Allow your children to listen to their own hunger and fullness feeling, which will help them learn not to overeat and to let their bodies guide their food choices.

4. Do not be Concerned about the Mess

In general, children are messy eaters because their motor skills are still in the growing stage and that they also like to explore things with their senses(especially with their hands). So, try to relax, understand the situation, and accept the mess.

5. Things Change Frequently

Understand that your little one is constantly growing, learning, and developing. They will eat healthy nutritious food one day and the next day they would not. It can look strange and unusual, yet their eating likes and dislikes are very typical. So, do not get busted in it.

6. Introduce New Foods

When introducing new foods for the first time, just serve a little portion. Serve foods that are varied in color, texture, flavor, and warmth. Food that is too hard, tough, or sticky should not be given. When applying seasoning to new foods, be cautious.

7. Be Conscious of your Language

It is difficult not to comment on what or how much your children eat. Remember, after you have served balanced healthy meals, your duty as a parent is done; it is up to your children to decide whether or not to eat those foods. If you act as a food enforcer, saying things like "complete the plate, eat all the veggies" - obviously your child will refuse to eat.

8. Get your Child in Cooking

If your child enjoys choosing or preparing meals, they will be more likely to eat what they have prepared. Allow your child to cut veggies and help you in the kitchen to prepare food if they are old enough.

9. Be a Good Role Model

If you constantly eat healthy nutritious foods, your child will naturally grow up believing that such a practice is good for his or her health. Be honest with yourself, trust your body, and express when you are feeling hungry or full. I am sure that your children will learn and follow the same.

Thing To Consider About Developing Healthy Habits

---> Do not force your child to eat or to complete the food he or she does not like.

---> Always serve a little portion of food because a large amount of food on the plate may discourage your children from trying new foods.

---> Give your children a variety of food to try and encourage them to learn table manners.

---> Allow your children to feed themselves as much as possible, and do not worry if they are messy eaters.

---> Encourage your children to eat a meal with their families.

When Should You See A Doctor?

If you are concerned about your toddler's appetite or if you feel, that he or she is constantly losing weight. Consult your child's doctor, he or she may check your child's height and weight and reassure you that nothing is wrong, or they can give you advice if they suspect something is wrong.

Final Thought

Your child will learn healthy eating habits as they grow older and they will continue to do so throughout their lives. Encouraging good healthy eating habits is a great way to get started.  Parents, keep in mind that developing healthy eating habits in toddlers require time and patience. So, do not be discouraged; if you give your full effort, you will definitely get the desired result one day.

 Good luck with your parenting...!