Written By According to a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, extending dinner time by just a few minutes can have a surprising impact on children’s healthy food choices. The study found that children who had longer meal times were more likely to eat a variety of healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and were less likely to be picky eaters.
So how can we make the most of these extra minutes at mealtime? Here are some tips to help encourage healthy eating habits in kids:
1. Involve your kids in meal planning and preparation. When kids are involved in the process of planning and preparing meals, they are more likely to be interested in trying new foods. Let your kids help choose recipes, go grocery shopping, and even help with cooking and meal prep.
2. Make mealtime a positive experience. Mealtime should be a time for family bonding and enjoyment. Avoid negative comments or pressure to eat certain foods, as this can create a negative association with mealtime. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and praise for trying new foods.
3. Offer a variety of healthy foods. Kids are more likely to try new foods when they are presented with a variety of options. Offer a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins at each meal, and encourage your kids to try at least one new food each week.
4. Be a role model. Kids learn by example, so it’s important to model healthy eating habits yourself. Make sure you are eating a variety of healthy foods and avoiding unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks.
5. Make mealtime a technology-free zone. Avoid distractions such as TV, phones, and tablets during mealtime. This can help kids focus on the food and the experience of eating, rather than being distracted by screens.
By making the most of these extra minutes at mealtime, we can help encourage healthy eating habits in our kids and set them up for a lifetime of good health.
But why does extending dinner time have such a positive impact on children’s food choices? One theory is that it allows children to feel more in control of their eating. When children are rushed or pressured to eat quickly, they may feel overwhelmed and less likely to try new foods. By giving them more time to eat and explore different foods, they may feel more comfortable and willing to try new things.
Another theory is that extended meal times allow for more social interaction and family bonding. When families sit down together for a meal, they have the opportunity to talk and connect with each other. This positive social environment may encourage children to feel more relaxed and open to trying new foods.
Whatever the reason, the benefits of extended meal times are clear. By taking a few extra minutes to sit down and enjoy a meal together, we can help our children develop healthy eating habits and set them up for a lifetime of good health.
