All parents want their children to grow up as happy and healthy as possible. But by focusing too much on weight or calories, some parents inadvertently set the stage for children to develop an unhealthy relationship with food, according to Ayat Sleymann, a nutritionist and mother of two who spoke to Today.
The dietitian, who on Instagram and TikTok is called Ayat Sleymann (momnutritionist) often gives valuable advice to mothers on how to lose weight, but at the same time guides them to the rules for a rich food diet for children.
In a recent video with more than 397,000 views on TikTok, she virtually shared the five things that as a mother, but also as a nutritionist, she never does with her children's food.
I never put children on diets
Instead of focusing on weight, Sleymann encourages kids to engage in healthy lifestyle habits. "More games, more fruits and vegetables, enough sleep, limiting screen time, water instead of juices and focusing more on good habits than counting calories," she explains.
She has no shame for herself or her children
“Fëmijët shohin çdo veprim të prindërve të tyre dhe ata modelojnë atë që bëjnë dhe thonë prindërit, veçanërisht marrëdhëniet nënë e bijë,” thotë Sleymann. "Kur flisni me respekt për trupin tuaj, ata do të bëjnë të njëjtën gjë".
Nuk i detyron kurrë fëmijët të mbarojnë ushqimin
Dietologia u bën një gjë të qartë prindërve: "Detyra jonë si prindër është të ofrojmë ushqim gjatë gjithë ditës në formën e vakteve, me një shumëllojshmëri produktesh. Por, nëse po i detyroni fëmijët të mbarojnë ushqimin në pjatë edhe pse nuk janë më të uritur, ju jeni duke diktuar sjellje në trupin e tyre,” thotë Sleymann.
Nuk i kategorizon ushqimet si "të mira" apo të këqija”
Stay away from categorizing foods as this can create a hierarchy in a child's mind. Calling a food "bad" or "unhealthy" is not a good approach for children. Instead, focus on nutrients, such as protein that provides strength or carbohydrates that provide energy.
It never counts calories in food
Children need different amounts of food at different stages of their lives. So, there is no need to count calories, says dietitian. "Parents' fixation on these numbers can cause a child to do the same when they grow up," she concludes.
Source: Today
