Prevent GOODs Snacks, Here Are Tips To Get Children To Choose Healthy Foods

Illustration of children choosing healthy foods (Freepic)

JAKARTA - The choice of food consumed by children plays an important role in determining their health in the future. Therefore, parents have a big responsibility to teach their children the habit of choosing nutritious food and building a healthy diet from an early age.

According to Dr. Abhishek Chopra, a pediatrician and neonatal consultant at the Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, New Delhi, children's eating habits are strongly influenced by what they learn from their parents. Research shows that children are more likely to develop preference for healthy food if they are often exposed to the food," said Dr. Chopra as quoted by Antara.

He added that children tend to imitate their parents' habits, so being a role model in a healthy diet is very important. "When children see parents enjoying nutritious food, they will be more motivated to try and get used to the food," he explained.

To help children build healthy eating habits, Dr. Chopra suggested that parents introduce various types of nutritious food, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat protein, and sources of healthy fat. In addition, involving children in the food preparation process can also be an effective way to educate them about nutritional benefits.

Not only at home, education about healthy food also needs to be strengthened in schools. Dr. Chopra emphasized the need for creative educational programs, such as visits to agriculture or gardening activities, to raise children's awareness about food origins and the importance of a healthy diet.

Children who eat foods with balanced nutrition are known to have a stronger immune system, better mental health, and a lower risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes or obesity. Therefore, limiting the consumption of high-fat foods, sugar, salt, and processed foods containing preservatives is an important step.

Dr. Chopra also warned children not to be fed foods such as contracts, caffeinated drinks, or energy drinks, because their sugar content and additive ingredients can have a negative impact on health.

In addition to paying attention to food intake, keeping children physically active is also an important part in supporting their health. Dr. Chopra recommends that preschoolers (3-5 years old) play active for about three hours per day, while children aged 6-17 years are advised to do physical activity at least 60 minutes per day.

By building good eating habits and adequate physical activity, parents can help children grow healthy and reduce the risk of various health problems in the future.