How to deal with malnourished children?
Malnutrition of children is one of the problems that many families are dealing with. In many gatherings and parties, you see fathers and mothers whose children do not show interest in eating, and parents who follow them with a plate in hand to give them a spoonful of food. Why these children do not want to eat and how families can fix this problem. Maybe it is the question of many of them.
Dr. Samira Ebrahimov, a nutritionist, says about children's malnutrition: Malnutrition in children is usually interpreted in such a way that they refuse to accept new foods and have food restrictions, that is, they only eat a series of foods and do not have a variety of food.
He further describes the factors affecting children's malnutrition as follows: There are a series of genetic factors that play a role in determining taste. Anyway, everyone has their own taste. Apart from the taste, in many cases, the family's wrong eating behaviors are the main cause of children's malnutrition. At an early age, when complementary feeding begins, children should be introduced to different flavors. Foods should be consumed in small amounts and at their own time. It should not be the case that we give a 6-month-old child the food that corresponds to his 10-month-old child; Therefore, according to the supplementary feeding protocols, they should test different foods. As far as possible, different foods should be placed on the family table according to the economic, social and cultural conditions of each family. If a child refuses to eat food, we should not remove it from the child's table forever. Sometimes it is necessary to present a food to the child 10 to 15 times so that after that he accepts to eat or not eat it.
He continues: The most reliable people for children are their parents. According to them, whatever their parents do is acceptable and doable; Therefore, when a child sees his mother eating fruit, this child also tends to eat fruit. But if a mother never eats fruit herself, the child may never start eating it, on the other hand, if this child sees his mother eating chocolate or his older siblings eating chips and puffs, this habit will form in him.
Ebrahimov says about how families deal with this problem: Have a variety of food. Do not give them foods that are too salty or sweet from childhood, so that children do not have a tendency towards these tastes, otherwise they will go towards eating these types of foods in adulthood. In fact, the healthier the family's dining table is and the less unhealthy food is given to the child, the more this type of malnutrition is created, which is only eating industrial foods.
This nutritionist explains the use of fast food for malnourished children and the tendency of these children towards this type of food as follows: The first step is not to expose children to these foods and that when children are a good thing We try not to use fast food as a reward, so that the child does not associate these foods with happiness. For example, when he gets a good grade, he gets a prize, for example, a pizza. After a while, he gets used to eating only these foods. The flavors that are added to these foods and the way they are cooked are such that children are more willing to eat them and they don't eat traditional foods. Therefore, as much as possible, do not prepare for them. Children usually eat any food placed in front of them if they are hungry for a while. We are the ones who manipulate his taste, the child understands that if he spoils himself or if he does not eat for 2 hours, finally his favorite food will be prepared for him. If the mother can resist and tolerate a little and does not immediately put these industrial foods in front of the child with every bad food that occurs, the desire to eat it will definitely decrease.
In response to a question about children not liking and not eating meat, he says: Meat is a source of protein anyway, and its types or substitutes must be in the diet. If a child does not like meat, it can be minced, or if a child does not like cooked meat, it can be grilled. Anyway, with different models, meat can be prepared or mixed in food in such a way that the child does not notice it. As much as possible, you should try not to separate the child's taste from the taste of meat, because the more he distances himself from not eating it, the harder it is for him to accept it.
He adds: But we also have a series of foods that can replace meat to different degrees. For example, beans can be used in children's food to provide them with some protein, or eggs can be used.
Ebrahimov says about the properties of egg yolk and egg white for children: Egg is a combination whose yolk and white have the best absorption if they are together. Protein is in the white and fat in the yolk. Now, if a child does not eat the yolk, there is no problem if he uses the white, and it can be used as a source of protein, especially for breakfast.
Almost every 2 egg whites can provide energy to the child as much as a whole egg. If we want a very good protein to reach the child, he should eat 2 whites, but if 2 whites are not possible, eating one is enough. Of course, this depends on the child's age and size. Also, be aware that children are not allergic to egg whites, because the proteins in egg whites may be allergenic. We should start with a small amount for one-year-old children.
Source: ISNA
