23/06/2020
Tips to encourage good eating habits in your child
☆..Be a role model - if you want your child to eat healthy foods, show them that you eat healthy foods too.
☆..Sit and eat together.
☆..Minimize distractions. Do not allow your child to watch TV, play with electronics or look at books during mealtime.
☆..Be realistic about the length of mealtimes - allow enough time for your child to eat by following their cues, but do not prolong the experience. Generally, meals should take about 30 minutes.
☆..Encourage your child to try one to three bites of a new food, but avoid negotiating with them or using pressure tactics.
☆..Be patient and keep offering healthy food choices, no matter how often they refuse them.
☆..Take away the food once the mealtime is over.
☆..Praise and encourage your child when they behave well at the table or try new foods.
☆..Do not get caught up with mealtime etiquette such as using cutlery properly or not letting food get on clothes.
☆..Involve your child in choosing meals and preparing food. Studies have found that children who are more actively involved in meal preparation tend to eat healthier foods.
If you are very concerned about your child's eating habits and food dislikes, seek advice from Dietitian or a Nutritionist.
-Syeda Mehak Fatima
Consultant Nutritionist and Dietitian
Chughtai Medical Center/ Chughtai Lab
Call: 03334648204