Contents:
- Medical Video: 10 Traits of Toxic Parents Who Ruin Their Children’s Lives
- The myth of children's eating habits that do not need to be continued
- Myth 1: Children must spend their food clean
- Myth 2: Children may not eat soybeans
- Myth 3: Hide vegetables in children's food so he likes vegetables
- Myth 4: Babies can only eat tasteless food
- Myth 5: Children cannot eat eggs
- Myth 6: Children must snack frequently
- Myth 7: Fruit juice is the healthiest choice for children
- Myth 8: If the child does not want to eat, leave it alone
Medical Video: 10 Traits of Toxic Parents Who Ruin Their Children’s Lives
Various myths that develop in society can influence diet and daily eating habits. Especially concerning the matter of children. Believing a myth that is not true is feared to make children become malnourished. Come on, check the list of myths about eating habits for children who you don't need to trust anymore.
The myth of children's eating habits that do not need to be continued
Myth 1: Children must spend their food clean
Although it has become a mushrooming tradition among parents, this eating habit is just a myth. You do not need to force the child to spend the food until it is clean without any leftover. According to Maggie Moon, RD, a nutritionist from Los Angeles, this coercion will only trigger a jump in the child's weight.
As long as the food provided is classified as healthy, give children the freedom to choose the food they want. The most important thing is that children eat food according to their gastric abilities while training their sensitivity to hunger and fullness.
Myth 2: Children may not eat soybeans
Who says children should not eat foods made from soybeans? Tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy milk, oncom, soy sauce, and other soy-based foods may be given to children. Provided in sufficient amount.
Soybeans are high in protein and low in fiber, and can be consumed by all ages. Soybeans are even useful for reducing the risk of breast cancer in women.
Myth 3: Hide vegetables in children's food so he likes vegetables
Most parents do this to get around their children who don't like to eat vegetables. Vegetables are processed in such a way as to remain mixed in food, without children knowing it. For example, behind an omelet. Children's nutritional needs will still be fulfilled, but this method will not make children aware of the benefits and taste of fresh vegetables. This will continue to carry on until he grows up.
It doesn't hurt to show vegetables clearly on the child's diet. Serve vegetables with more interesting creations, without having to be hidden. For example broccoli is formed into people's hair, carrots into the form of flowers or sun, and so on. Recommend the benefits of various types of vegetables when accompanying children to eat.
Myth 4: Babies can only eat tasteless food
Reported from the Parents page, according to Diana Rice, RD, a nutritionist from The Kids Cook Monday, babies must be introduced to various types of flavors. Because the age of a toddler is the best time to receive new flavors. Taste recognition has also been started since given exclusive breastfeeding, which is through food eaten by the mother.
So, don't hesitate to introduce different types of tastes gradually starting at the age of 6 months. For example by introducing bitter vegetables, savory flavors from fish, or sweetness from fruit. This can help them develop their appetite later on.
Myth 5: Children cannot eat eggs
Many parents worry that their children will get high cholesterol when given eggs. Eits, wait a minute. This is just a myth. Eggs are a source of protein that contains a lot of iron and zinc which are important for growing children.
The yolk contains lutein and zeaxanthin which are good for sharpening vision and are beneficial for brain health. Before giving eggs to children, first make sure the child is allergic to eggs. If you have a history of egg allergies, your doctor may advise you to wait until the child is 2 years old before introducing the egg to the child.
Myth 6: Children must snack frequently
Children do need snacks on the sidelines of their meals, but they shouldn't be too much. Because, excessive snacks tend to contribute to excessive calorie intake.
What if the child is hungry but not yet time to eat? Calm down first. Children will be fine with three meals a day and one healthy snack. This is good for training sensitivity to hunger. Instead of giving a snack, replace it with healthier steamed fruits or vegetables. So, you don't need to worry when a child is hungry before his meal time.
Myth 7: Fruit juice is the healthiest choice for children
Pure fruit juice does contain many vitamins, but that does not mean it can be a substitute for whole fruit and vegetables. Instead of getting more nutrients, fruit juice is not good for children's health because it is high in calories and sugar, but low in fiber.
Take for example, a medium sized apple containing 4.4 grams of fiber and 19 grams of sugar. When juiced, only one cup contains 114 calories, 0.5 grams of fiber, and 24 grams of sugar. Therefore, serve the fruit as a whole rather than serving it in the form of juice so that the child's fiber needs are still met.
Myth 8: If the child does not want to eat, leave it alone
When children start refusing to eat, parents will usually give up and let the child just like that, especially if the child prefers picky food. This habit should not be continued.
Research shows that toddlers need time to try food, until at least 15 times are offered. Because, children can still be surprised by their new food. Serve again and again the food and rest assured that the child will like it slowly.
Don't give up on offering as much new food as you can. You can also combine new foods with their favorite foods to provoke a child's appetite.
