She can survive on chocolate cookies and chocolate bars solely. And the sight of vegetables freaks her out. Three-year-old Dwithi Jain gives a tough time to her parents when it comes to feeding her. Several parents in the city facing similar problem complain about the picky eating habit of their little ones.
Some nutritionists DNA spoke to say that while childhood obesity is a growing concern, most children between two and five years of age tend to be choosy about their food with some even developing an aversion to certain food. This needs to be dealt with at the earliest.
“I get several types of cases from parents whose children are picky about food. However, it is not a major problem and can be sorted out patiently,” said Dr Jyothi Prasad, chief dietician of Manipal Hospital.
But it is important to inculcate healthy eating habits among children from early days. And parents need to work towards it, she said.
“It was difficult for me to feed Dwithi from her one-and-a-half years till a few days ago. I had no idea how to give her good nutrition as she would fuss over any healthy food. And on occasions, when I forced her to eat, she would immediately throw it up,” said Pavitra Jain, Dwithi’s mother.
However, few days ago, she consulted a nutritionist. Now she knows how to tackle Dwithi and her food-related tantrums.
Nutrition in childhood and growing age is essential for one to develop immunity. It works miracles if you involve the child in the process of buying the vegetables and cooking, feel nutritionists.
“The toddler should be engaged in the process of cooking, right from the first step of buying vegetables. Parents can explain to the child about the colour, freshness and nutritional value of the vegetables at each step, thus inculcating an interest and liking for vegetables and fruits in the child,” said Prasad.
Pavitra now engages Dwithi in the process of cooking. “Dwithi used to hate soups. So now every time I prepare soup, I ensure Dwithi is around. She helps me with simple things like washing the vegetables, getting peas from the packet, sprinkling a little salt or black pepper in the soup. And I keep saying that Dwithi has cooked the soup and it tastes yummy,” said Pavitra. Now, soup is one of Dwithi’s favourites.
Many mothers like Pavitra can try this trick on their adamant children.
While that is the case of toddlers like Dwithi, obesity is a big problem facing grown up children and teenagers.
Malnutrition (over nutrition) has impacted almost 30% of urban children, who are either overweight or obese.
“Kids are interested in eating junk food rich in fat, sugar and calorie. And with almost no physical activity, they are bound to put on weight. Teachers and parents should ensure that children have adequate physical activity in a day,” said Sheela Krishnaswamy, director, Wellness, Chi Health.
Another problem with the children’s diet today is that the intake of food rich in fibre is not adequate. If the fibre intake is less, children tend to feel like eating more leading to overeating, said Sheela, who is also the vice-president of Indian Dietetics Association.
The problem needs to be tackled through multiple approach. “First, parents and teachers should be aware of nutrition and health. While a few school authorities have taken the step forward in this by banning junk food and aerated drinks inside school campuses, a lot more needs to be done,” she said.
Schools ideally should have a nutrition session, at least once a month, where either a lecture on nutrition can be delivered by a nutritionist or a healthy cookery class is conducted by an expert engaging the students, Sheela said.
Comments