Concerned About Your Child’s Growth Because of Picky Eater?
By Alpro Pharmacy
June 15, 2023
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Nurturing Healthy Growth: Overcoming Picky Eating Challenges in Children!
Is your child smaller than their classmates? Is your child becoming a picky eater? In Malaysia, 1 in 5 children face stunted growth. If stunting is not addressed, it can affect the child’s physical health, social interactions, and even pose a threat to their life if not treated promptly.
The biggest contributing factor to child stunting is a lack of nutrients. Proper nutrition is crucial for the growth and development of children at all stages. Important nutrients for child growth include calcium and vitamin D found in milk, yogurt, cheese, and green leafy vegetables, which promote bone development. Additionally, foods such as eggs, meat, fish, and tofu, which contain protein, can aid in muscle growth and boost the child’s immune system.
Dealing with ‘Picky Eaters’ child?
Apart from focusing on essential nutrients for child growth, one major concern for parents is dealing with picky eaters. Picky eating can lead to children only consuming certain types of food, resulting in a lack of nutritional variety. If you also face challenges with your child’s eating habits, here are some tips to help you:
Establish mealtime routines: Parents should set regular mealtimes for the family and ensure a gap of at least 2-3 hours between meals. By having a consistent meal schedule, it helps children understand when it’s time to eat and allows their bodies to feel hunger adequately.
Be patient during mealtime & praise them while eating: When introducing new foods, parents need to be patient and willing to try at least 10-15 times with their child. For example, when introducing red radish in soup, parents can offer them a small portion to try first. If the child doesn’t like it on the first day, try again the next day by offering red radish in a pureed form. This way, children can experience a variety of food options and become more open to trying new foods.
Involve them in the food selection process: Create a fun experience for children with food. Take them shopping, explain about different foods, and involve them in simple and age-appropriate kitchen tasks in preparing their own meals. This way, children will be more interested in trying foods they have prepared themselves.
If you’re concerned about your child’s growth, Alpro Pharmacy is here to help! Get a FREE BMI check today and expert advice from professional nutritionists and dietitians on supporting your little ones’ healthy development👧👦. Plus, receive a FREE Champs Vitamin C 100mg sachet gift after your little ones complete the check! *While stocks last*
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