Introduction

Our little ones aren’t born with a craving for chocolates and pizza. Once kids get their first taste of crunchy snacks, sugary treats, and salty foods like noodles, it''s hard to get them unhooked from fast food and aversion to veggies like broccoli and tomatoes is obvious. This conditioning happens over time and becomes a habit as they’re exposed to unhealthy food choices. However, it is possible to reprogram your child''s food preferences so that they crave healthy foods.

Here are 10 ways to promote a healthy lifestyle in the child.

Show healthy eating habits

Preschoolers love to imitate their parents and are likely to mimic your meal routine or willingness to try new foods. Take advantage of their monkey-see, monkey-do behavior and make them choose a healthy lifestyle involuntarily.

Eat healthy meals and fruits with your child whenever possible, so they see how much you enjoy eating fruits and veggies.

 Limit Junk Food Consumption

Junk food has no nutritional value which means that over time your child will be malnourished and gaining weight at an early age. Limit junk food consumption not only by controlling their diet but also by limiting the number of times they eat fast food such as McDonald''s, KFC, etc. While promoting a healthy lifestyle in a child this is an essential step.

Do not promote overeating

Remind your children to stop eating once they begin to feel their tummy full. Tell them that the leftovers can be finished later when they become hungry again. Making them eat when they are no longer hungry can lead them to unhealthy overeating habits. It can make then obese and over-weight.

Maintain eating schedule

Keeping a regular meal and snack schedule discourages kids from munching throughout the day or getting hungry in between meals, which can cause them to compensate by overeating. Most children require three meals and one or two snack breaks every day but consult with your child''s nutritionist if you''re worried that they''re overeating or not having enough food. 

 It''s important to maintain a proper eating schedule. If your child skips a meal, do not let them have candy or cookies. Instead, compensate with a healthy snack, such as fruit salad or juice, and make sure that they eat enough and stay hydrated.

 Let your child learn about healthy living

Teach children about healthy living by showing them healthy recipes and teaching healthy living skills. Show them healthy recipes for making healthy dishes at home. Healthy recipes are easy to find online. You can also encourage healthy cooking with your child at home. Teach healthy living skills such as healthy eating habits, healthy body image, and healthy lifestyle.

 Lead By Example

Children imitate their parents led by example, if the parents are healthy then it is highly likely that they will also adopt healthy habits. So let your child see you eating healthy foods and exercising daily. Set a perfect example for your child to ensure promoting a healthy lifestyle in the child.

Stick to water and stay hydrated:

Encouraging your children to drink plenty of water to ensure that  they stay hydrated. The best way to achieve this is to limit the consumption of sugary drinks that you bring in the house. Sufficient water intake will also help children to improve their digestion and, thus, their overall  health. It is suggested that your kids should drink 4-6 glasses of water if they are under 6 years old. 

Limit Screen Time And Encourage Outdoor Activities

Screen time such as television, games, etc is generally not good for health because it takes away the attention of children from healthy activities like playing, sports, etc. Engaging in outdoor activities like playing games, physical activities, etc helps your child''s healthy body and healthy mind.

 Include Fresh Fruits In Your Diet

Fresh fruits are rich sources of vitamins and minerals that help in promoting healthy living as well as growth in children. It has been found through research that having fresh fruit at least thrice a day helps kids stay fit as well as improves concentration power and learning abilities.

 Proper Food Combinations

Eating healthy food enhances energy levels which help in healthy living as well as healthy growth. It''s important to eat healthy because it boosts metabolism, improves absorption of nutrients, and reduces fat storage. Try to include live foods such as fruits, nuts, sprouts, etc., that are rich sources of enzymes that increase the digestion process to reduce body toxicity. Similarly, drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps you hydrated and healthy. Further, try to avoid intake of dairy products along with meat as it increases acidity which over some time leads to diseases like cancer, etc.

Conclusion

It is essential to promote a healthy lifestyle in children to keep them healthy and active. This will help them a lot in healthy living throughout their life. A healthy lifestyle that promotes healthy habits like a healthy diet, healthy habits, a healthy mind, and healthy relationships are beneficial for mind and body. 

You can also read:

Easy Kids’ Snacks That Are Healthy and Delicious

8 Essential Life Skills for Your Children

Why it is important to teach your child the art of public speaking.