Priya Aditi
World Sight Day: Children’s altered eating habits make it increasingly difficult to serve them as they mature, and it is common to find them at home consuming meals with a television, tablet, or mobile phone. Parents may find it convenient to serve their children while cartoons play on the screen, as doing so requires more time. However, numerous studies and research indicate that this practice does have negative implications.
Susmita N, Clinical Nutritionist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Bangalore, Bellandur, and Jayanagar, advised in an interview on World Sight Day: “As children mature, we should allow them to serve and nourish themselves. This assists in understanding body cues. Engaging in screen time during mealtime can lead to distractions, resulting in diminished attention to the contents of the plate, the texture of the food, and the quantity of food ingested. Additionally, an increase in the consumption of harmful junk food between meals has been noted, likely due to the individuals’ inability to recall the exact quantity of food consumed during each meal. Insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables is also observed among these individuals.
The nutrition expert disclosed that children who have a greater amount of screen time are more exposed to junk food advertisements that target the younger demographic. “Kids are captivated by these commercials for junk food and develop a desire to consume them, which influences their eating habits.” Encouraging children to engage in outdoor play stimulates their appetites, leading them to gravitate towards the food that is served. This presents an opportunity for parents to provide their children with nutritious dietary choices. Snacks should consist of nutritious options such as fruits, milkshakes/smoothies, roasted nuts blend, makhana, and avoidance of unhealthy foods. Maintain a supply of nutritious refreshments at home.
She further stated, “Family is an integral part of the dining experience.” Parents must serve as models for their offspring. Establishing a family meal time devoid of any distractions promotes improved eating habits, enhances communication abilities, and fosters stronger bonds. Research has shown that children who dine with their families consume more fruits and vegetables, and develop a healthier eating pattern as a result. A positive correlation has been observed between family meals and children’s cognitive development, which subsequently contributes to enhanced academic achievements.
Susmita N. proposed the subsequent suggestions to maximize the enjoyment and relaxation of mealtime:
- Provide acceptable, wholesome sustenance.
- Honor the child’s capacity. When a child indicates fullness, refrain from pressuring them to finish the food on their plate.
- Provide them with a selection of two or more nutritious dishes. Offer them nutritious options.
- Avoid coercing, bribing, or nagging a child to consume. Never forget that children develop an aversion to the foods they are compelled to consume.
- Eliminate all electronic devices with screens from the dining area.
- Attend to your children’s age-appropriate concerns through conversation. Inquire about their day, acquaintances, and engage in conversation regarding subjects of personal interest.
- Prepare the meal for tomorrow with the child’s culinary preferences in consideration.
- Observe and emulate the behavior that you advocate. It is inappropriate for parents to be preoccupied while giving their children.
- The meals should be planned the day before. Three breakfasts and two refreshments that are rich in nutrients. Keeping in mind the importance of incorporating protein sources, colorful vegetables, grains, and seasonal fruits.
- Limit your screen time following meals.
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Additionally, she noted that children who spend an excessive amount of time in front of screens exhibit diminished cognitive development and substandard psychosocial skills. Insufficient levels of physical activity contribute to impaired metabolism, which subsequently results in childhood obesity. Over a prolonged duration, these infants develop into adults who are relatively obese and suffer from eating disorders.
