Is your child obsessed with sweets? Here’s how to change unhealthy eating habits | Health

Children are often obsessed with eating sweets and sugary foods. A minimal amount is fine, but too much of it can be very unhealthy for them. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Rohini Patil, MBBS and nutritionist and founder of Nutracy Lifestyle said, “It is very difficult to manage a child’s sweets and sugar addiction, but with a few practical strategies, it is possible to encourage healthier eating habits. Here are 5 tips that will help you manage your child’s sweets and sugar addiction.”

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Consume sugary foods in small quantities

As we know, children usually imitate their parents’ behavior, which includes their eating habits. Therefore, you should set a positive example by showing your child that sweets can be enjoyed even in small amounts as part of a balanced diet. For example, one can opt for flavored yogurt or fruits and incorporate them into the diet as a snack instead of eating sugary foods by limiting one’s own sweets consumption.

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Replace sugar with healthy alternatives

Focus on eating healthy alternatives by replacing sugary snacks with healthy options that will make you feel full while curbing your sweet cravings. Try to have a variety of fruits in the house. When preparing meals or baking, use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey in moderation instead of refined sugar.

Educate children about balanced nutrition

Educate your child about nutrition by explaining the importance of a balanced diet and the health impacts of excessive sugar consumption. Tell them that while sweets can be enjoyable as part of a healthy diet, they should be consumed in moderation.

Set rules for sugar consumption

Establish clear rules and regulations regarding sweets and sugar consumption. Set a specific time or occasion when sweets can be eaten, such as after meals or on weekends. This will create a mentality in your child that sweets should be eaten on special occasions or as a special part of the diet, rather than consumed on a daily basis.

Inform children about healthy ingredients

Encourage them to help you plan and prepare meals, as this will help them learn independently and responsibly about which ingredients are healthy and the different cooking methods they use.

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