Eating habits develop during the first years of life. Children learn when, how much to eat, through direct experiences with food and observing the eating behaviors of others. Given the growing prevalence of overweight and obesity among all age groups, including very young children, understanding the factors that influence eating behaviors in childhood is needed to improve dietary patterns and health status in this age group. Is.
Formation of eating habits early in life
The first year of life is a period of rapid physical, social, and emotional development during which a pattern of food intake is formed. During the first year, infants shift from eating one food (for example, breast milk or formula) to eating more varied foods than the adult diet. During this period, the baby learns about food through direct experience as well as observing the eating behaviors of others. Also, breastfeeding and parents' eating patterns in the first years of a toddler's life play an important role in developing long-term eating habits. Breastfeeding is recommended as a desirable method of nutrition in the first 6 months of life because breastfeeding has a positive effect on the growth and eating habits of the child in the future.
Parents' eating habits
Parents influence children's eating behaviors in a variety of ways. Parents actively choose foods for the family and act as role models for diet choices and use nutritional methods to enhance the growth of their eating patterns and behaviors. use. Parenting practices are also influenced by the child's characteristics, including age, gender, weight status, and eating habits. Therefore, parents and children influence each other's eating behavior. Children also emulate by observing the eating behaviors of others. For example, research shows that consumption of fruits, vegetables, and milk in children increases after observing adults consuming these foods. Observing their peers' eating behavior by the children, the effect was such that the selection and consumption of vegetables increased. Therefore, changing social lifestyles and correcting eating habits collectively is more effective than verbally encouraging children to eat appropriate foods.
A higher percentage of mothers are working than ever before, and as a result, young children are regularly fed by someone else. The child care program should provide adequate nutrition to provide half of two-thirds of the children's daily energy and nutrients.
Eating habits of children outside the home
A large percentage of mothers are employed, and as a result, young children are regularly fed by someone else. The child care program should provide adequate nutrition to provide half of two-thirds of the daily energy and nutrients needed by children. Conclusions from several comprehensive reports examining the factors that can change children's obesity (including eating behaviors) show that early intervention, before birth and the first years of a child's life, can be the best option to enhance healthy eating behaviors in children. Nutritional experiences and food preferences begin in infancy and continue to grow as children transition to solid foods. As a result, children's eating behaviors are exposed to many external influences, including families, schools, and communities. Currently, many of these effects trigger dietary patterns that predispose to obesity. Fortunately, these effects can also help improve healthy eating habits.
