The herculean mystery of planning diet for kids has haunted mothers since forever and has often failed to see positive results owing to fickle tastes and likings of kids owing to age and other dynamics. The increase influx of processed foods and ready to eat snacks in the market has paved way for higher incidence of disorders including diabetes, obesity, kidney stones, etc. in younger populations as well.

Such worrisome statistics are way more alarming in case of kids because due to younger age and developing body, it is not possible to have the right way too long lose weight and set weight-loss goals. Doing so can result in disastrous implications including malnutrition, retarded growth and severe nutrition deficiency. Hence, it is important to rather focus on maintenance of healthy weight with alterations in routine affairs and dietary habits of the entire family.

Lead by Example: The foremost vital element in diet planning for children is in the diet regime followed by the adults, especially the parents as the child has natural tendencies to patronize and imitate parents’ styles and behavior. Setting a healthy example by yourself eating healthy choices shall go a long way in impeding entry of unhealthy food in child’s list of favorite foods.

Cease Glorification of Food: Parents often find it easy to entice a child into doing homework or singing a song or saying a word by offering chocolate, sugary treats and alike. No wonder, it works wonders for the task at hand but in the longer run plays havoc with child’s food preferences. Don’t use food as a reward, at least not the unhealthy ones. But who has ever heard a parent telling the kid – Please sing the rhyme in front of uncle, I will give you a bowl of salad!

Replacement of Ingredients: Knowing about the ills of maida, refined flour, processed ingredients, it is essential to replace those with healthier variants. Maida and Suji, for instance can be replaced with whole wheat and Quinoa. In summer spells, sweetened and packed drinks can be replaced with buttermilk or low sweet variants of homemade squash.

‘Can’t’ the Canteen from the Mind: Educate the child about why he can’t rely on canteen food instead of forcing him to eat homemade tiffin meals. This shall not only put him on the right path but shall also contribute towards long term health awareness.

Outsmart the Storage: Place healthier choices of snacks and food items in lower shelves of fridge or kitchen cabinets as those are the ones in easy reach of kids. This method gives them freedom to choose while not hampering their health. It also instills confidence in child with respect to his dietary choices.

De-digitize Leisure: In modern age scenarios, lack of exercising and physical work out has also resulted in a spike in cases of obesity among children. It is advised to replace the smartphone games and other electronic modes of leisure with outdoor activities including running, sports, etc.

Empathize: Make sure to not snub the child or talk too much about his weight issues in order to maintain motivation. Focussing too much on weight as a problem can lead to stress in the child and can rather deter the weight maintenance.

Mothers have always found it to be a tough job when it comes to planning and monitoring diet for kids at home. The idea is to work on basics and to inculcate the sense of healthy eating right in the early stages of life. This not only shall prevent occurrence of ailments and disorders but shall contribute to overall wellbeing in one’s lifetime – concludes Simrat!

Have a happy and joyful diet!