Kids are Easily Swayed Away by Attractive Food Commercials

Kids are Glued to TV Commercials

TV has a profound impact on the type of food children prefer to eat. Many children spend ample time in front of the television and are therefore, influenced by the advertisements and food commercials which pop up every now and then. But the sad part is that most of the commercials are not a great boost for growing brains and bodies as they are high in fat, sugar, sodium and/or calories with minimal vitamins, minerals and fiber content.

Studies by prominent journals have proved that consuming foods advertised on TV provides thrice the amount of sugar and two and a half times the amount of fat a person should consume in a day, on an average.

Is your child aware of “good” eating habits?
Registered dietitian nutritionists suggest these tips:
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• Give company to your kid during commercials. Have a small chit-chat with your kids about their tastes and their favorite foods shown during commercials. Kids are not concerned about “health” and “nutrition” while making their choices. It is in your hands to link healthy foods with something which your child cares about, like foods that will help them run faster, jump higher, be stronger, etc.


• Stop restricting “junk” foods. Repeatedly avoiding or speaking negative about these foods would kindle your child’s interest to try them out.
  
  
• Help your children expand their knowledge about their foods. Guide them patiently to have a look at the ingredient list and motivate them to “see what’s inside” an advertised food which they would like to eat by accompanying them to do so.​
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• Turn them into little master chefs. Kids are curious by nature. Use this to your advantage to clue them in on the amazing flavors, shapes and colors of healthful foods. They will be ready to help you out with simple chores.
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• Create a positive impression on your child. Dining together helps to establish good eating habits, pleasant conversations and a lasting impression about healthful foods. This is because, family is a major influential factor on what and how kids eat. Parents hold the power to decide upon the foods available to eat and the foods that are offered during meals. Children are great imitators of what parents eat. Have an attitude such that it creates a positive impression on your kid. For more advantages on eating together as a family, please visit the website www.firsteatright.com.

• Substitute TV time with other fun activities. Kids love to involve themselves in watching TV for long periods of time as it is the easiest thing to do. But your interference is essential to prevent a couch potato in your home. Set a daily limit with a fixed time for watching television. Rather than simply turning off the TV, interest your kid with some other fun activity which would tempt them to get up and come out.

Engage your Child in Other Interesting Activities