Children in their growing years need sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals in adequate quantities. But picky eaters often come up with excuses to skip meals and tend to eat less. If you are a parent of one of them, here are some tips and tricks to make your child eat better.
Breakfast is the King
Break the night’s fast with a healthy and hearty breakfast. The first meal of the day boosts metabolism and gets the body working for the day. Always find the time to ensure that your child does not skip breakfast in their busy morning hours since it is bound to increase their appetite.
Offer water half an hour before every meal
Your child should start their day with water and not milk. It helps to remove any toxins from their body before breakfast. Make them drink a glass of water 30 minutes before every meal to improve digestion. Activated digestive enzymes and juices increase their appetite and soon you will find them asking for more.
Increase the zinc intake
Did you know that spinach, beans, nuts, mushrooms and pumpkin seeds have a good quantity of zinc in them? Zinc boosts immunity, regulates the functioning of antioxidants and even a mild deficiency can lead to weight loss, diarrhea and loss of appetite. So sneak in some zinc-rich food into your child’s diet.
Healthy snacks
Children who over-indulge in snacks are inclined to eat less of the proper meals. Instead of having a ‘no-snack’ policy, try offering healthy snack alternatives. Homemade sandwich can take the place of cookies and tasty cereals or oatmeal can replace fried chips.
Cool it down
Children and adults alike eat less when their dining area is too hot and suffocating. Switch on the air conditioner or place the dining table near an open window for some fresh air. Children will naturally eat more as they become comfortable with a cool environment.
Opt for these food items
Along with these practical steps, if you can include the following healthy options in your child’s daily meals, you will witness a growing appetite and craving like never before – yogurt, peanuts, ginger, basil, avocados, plums and peaches.
De-stress
Mealtime with family is an important element during the growing up years of children. Avoid unpleasant topics during this time and try to light up the mood with some music. If children enjoy their company and the atmosphere, they will enjoy eating more. The school that your child goes to plays an equally vital role in creating a healthy lifestyle. In a safe and stress-free environment, they will be nurtured and cared for.
Winmore Academy, one of the top ten CBSE schools in India, is an ideal platform for students to grow intellectually and be mentally and physically fit. Our teachers are not just tutors for imparting education but also custodians of a healthy and sound generation.
As Buddha said, “To keep the body in good health is a duty. Otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear”.