How can I help my child eat less candy?
July 31, 2023 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Benjamin Meier
Dear pediatrician,
My name is Edith Kraftner and I am concerned about my child's diet. My son Lukas is 8 years old and he loves to eat sweets. He regularly asks for chocolate, gummy bears, cookies, and other sweet snacks. I try to provide him with a balanced diet and offer him healthy alternatives, but he often rejects them and insists on sweets.
I am worried about Lukas' health and his weight. I want to help him eat less sweets and instead consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. I have already tried talking to him and explaining why a balanced diet is important, but he doesn't seem to really understand.
Can you please give me tips on how I can help my child eat less sweets? Are there specific strategies or methods that I can use to reduce his preference for sweets? I want to ensure that he eats healthily and develops good eating habits that will benefit him for life. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Edith Kraftner
Dear Mrs. Kraftner,
Thank you for your message and your trust. It is understandable that you are concerned about your child's nutrition. Children's preference for sweets is a common issue and many parents face the challenge of teaching their children to have a balanced diet. I would like to give you some tips and strategies that can help you support your son Lukas in eating less sweets and accepting healthier alternatives.
1. Be a role model: As parents, you are the most important role models for your children. Show him through your own eating habits how important a balanced diet is. Eat healthy meals and snacks together with him to demonstrate that they can also be delicious.
2. Cook and shop together: Take Lukas shopping with you and let him help in preparing meals. Children are more willing to try new foods when they are actively involved in the cooking process.
3. Limit access to sweets: Try not to have sweets constantly available in the house. Instead, offer healthy alternatives like fruits, vegetable sticks, or nuts as snacks. If sweets are available, limit the amount and make them a special treat instead of an everyday option.
4. Introduce a reward system: You could introduce a reward system where Lukas is rewarded for eating healthy foods. For example, he could receive a small reward for each day he doesn't eat sweets.
5. Educate about healthy nutrition: Try to educate Lukas playfully about healthy nutrition. Books, games, or videos can help him understand the importance of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
It is important to note that changing eating habits takes time. Be patient and consistent in your efforts. If you feel that despite your efforts Lukas continues to eat too many sweets and his weight is at risk, I recommend scheduling an appointment at my practice to analyze his eating habits more closely and discuss further measures.
I hope these tips help you and wish you success in motivating Lukas towards a healthy diet. If you have any further questions or need support, I am here to help.
Best regards,
Benjamin Meier, Pediatrician
