Good Habits and Good Food For Good Health
Kids are often very picky in choosing the right food to eat. They are unable to decide what is good for them and often make choices based on taste. This is why parents need to monitor their food choices and develop good food habits for better health. Find out how to encourage such habits and what these habits are.
What is Good Food Habit?
The term habit means an action that is repeated multiple times by a person. A good habit is a habit that has a positive psychological, physical or emotional outcome. In the same context, a good food habit is a habit that ensures good health and hygiene for a kid.
How to Teach Good Food Habits to a Kid?
The prime factor in the mental and physical development of a kid is good food. Eating healthy food is important as it takes care of the nutritional requirement of a kid. Hence, eating good food should be a habit from a young age. It helps to reduce the probability of developing lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
Kids are often reluctant to eat good food. According to their thoughts, good food means good taste. Hence, they are more inclined to eat junk food. Parents should avoid eating junk food as a habit. Here is how good food habits can be developed.
Explain About Junk Food
The first step is to explain what junk food is and why we should avoid junk food. The explanation should be plain and simple so that kids can realise the issues with junk food. Once the foundation is built, we can proceed to the next step.
Examples of Junk Food
Healthy and Delicious Snacks
The growth of kids is quite fast at a very young age. It means they will feel hungry more often. Parents should realise that even if a kid is fully fed, they will still feel hungry after a few hours. This is why parents are suggested to keep healthy snacks ready.
Healthy snacks can be a bowl of fruits, salads, whole-grain crackers, etc. Keeping such foods in the lower bunkers of cabinets will help them reach easily. They will automatically develop the good habit of eating such snacks.
Avoid Bringing Junk Food
Avoid bringing junk food at home on any occasion. It becomes a habit, and kids start to argue or throw tantrums to enjoy the same taste repeatedly. Make it an occasional thing when you are out of the home. You can also add a "Say No to Junk Food” poster at home and set some ground rules.
No Bargaining
Parents often make the mistake of consoling their kids with junk food. They also make junk food a reward if the kids are good at their behaviour. This is not a healthy bargain. Make a habit of eating good food with the kids. Experts suggest choosing non-food rewards so that kids avoid developing junk food habits.
Set an Example
Parents should also avoid eating junk food in front of their kids. Kids love to imitate parents and will follow what they see. Hence, set an example of eating good food with the kids, and they will follow this habit for the rest of their lives.
Examples of Good Food
List of Other Good Habits
This is how to avoid junk food and make your child eat good food. Here is a list of other good habits your kids should follow.
Washing hands before eating.
Keeping nails trimmed.
Bathing every day.
Using spoons and maintaining proper dining etiquette.
Being a part of the family dining time.
Eating healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tips for Parents
Set a junk food and healthy food chart at home to encourage kids to follow these good habits. Differentiate what is junk and good food and set an example. This is how you can develop such habits and make them eat good food.
FAQs on Learn Good Habits and Avoid Junk Food
1. What are some examples of good habits for kids to stay healthy?
Following good habits helps us stay strong and active. Some important habits include:
- Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Washing hands with soap before and after every meal.
- Brushing your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
- Getting at least 8-10 hours of sleep every night.
- Playing outdoors for at least an hour every day.
2. What is junk food and can you give some examples?
Junk food is food that has very low nutritional value and is often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. While it might taste good, it does not help our body grow. Common examples of junk food include chips, burgers, pizza, sugary sodas, and cookies.
3. What is healthy food and what are some examples?
Healthy food is food that is rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins that our body needs to grow, learn, and fight off sickness. Examples of healthy food are fresh fruits, green vegetables, milk, eggs, pulses (dal), and whole grains like chapati.
4. Why is it important to avoid eating too much junk food?
It is important to avoid junk food because it does not provide the energy and nutrients our body needs for playing and studying. Eating it too often can make us feel tired, lazy, and can lead to health problems like gaining extra weight and falling sick more frequently.
5. What happens to our bodies if we only eat junk food?
If we only eat junk food, our bodies miss out on important nutrients. This can make our bones and muscles weak, and we might not have enough energy to play or concentrate in school. It can also make our immune system weaker, meaning we could catch colds and other illnesses more easily.
6. What are some tasty and healthy snacks I can eat instead of junk food?
You can replace junk food with many delicious and healthy options! Try eating apple slices, a banana, a bowl of yoghurt, a handful of almonds, or a vegetable sandwich. These snacks give you real energy and help you stay healthy.
7. How do good eating habits help us in our daily life?
Good eating habits are crucial for our daily life. When we eat healthy food, we get the right fuel to think clearly, learn better in class, and have the stamina for sports and other activities. It also helps in maintaining a healthy weight and keeps us feeling happy and energetic throughout the day.
