Many parents bring children to the Bay Health Clinic with health problems caused by a poor diet. The parents explain that as it is difficult to feed the child they give them food low in nutrients.
Eating well is a skill that can take time for a child to learn
The first thing to recognise in tackling this difficult problem is that not all children (or adults) are quick learners when it comes to learning to eat well. Children learn skills such as walking, reading, swimming, at different rates, eating is one of these skills. Some need little help; others need time, patience and encouragement.
Consider why your child needs to eat.
Is it just to stop them moaning / entertain them / stop them feeling hungry / to give them energy? When you feed your child you (and your child) need to be aware that only nutritious foods will stop children from getting sick and enable them to grow. In the long term only nutritious foods will help your children to feel relaxed, happy, and energetic.
Children from the age of 3 are able to learn what foods help them feel better
I have found in my naturopathic practice that children from the age of 3 are able to learn which foods help them feel better and which foods don't. The parents get the role of being good helpers. but the child has to understand why he or she needs to eat. With older children I will go into more detail about the particular foods that are high in the nutrients that they are deficient in. Also why some foods can cause a depletion of nutrients e.g. sugar will deplete magnesium.
Introduce small amounts of a variety of nutrient rich foods
Start by introducing small amounts of a variety of nutrient rich foods, including fruits and vegetables. Freshly prepared organic food may be more expensive but has been shown to be higher in nutrients so better value nutritionally, and does not contain harmful chemicals.
Avoid having foods that are low in nutrients in the house
Avoid having foods that are low in nutrients in the house i.e. sugary foods, chippies, white flour. If they are there it is tempting to use them as a substitute for nutritious food, but they will not help your child grow, be happy and healthy.
Contact Bay Health Clinic today to find out more or to book a consultation with one of our Naturopaths for your child. Call 07 571 3226 or email us: ask@bayhealth.nz
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