Why Kids Are Not Eating Healthy Today — And What New Moms Can Do. By Vibrant Chetna

 

In today’s fast and busy life, one of the biggest challenges for new mothers is getting children to eat healthy, nutritious food. Most kids naturally get attracted to junk food, packaged snacks, chocolates, cheese-loaded items, burgers, pizza, fries, and colourful drinks. They find these foods tasty, exciting, and fun.

But as a mother, it becomes worrying because junk food does not support growth, immunity, or brain development. In fact, too much outside or unhealthy food can affect your child’s:

• Digestion
• Concentration
• Energy levels
• Weight
• Immunity
• Mood and sleep patterns

Let’s understand why this is happening and how you can gently help your child develop healthy eating habits.

Why Kids Prefer Junk Food Today

1. Attractive packaging & advertisements

Bright colours, cartoon characters, and catchy ads make kids believe junk food is “fun” and healthy foods are “boring”.

2. Instant taste & reward feeling

Junk food is high in sugar, salt and fat. This gives kids an instant “wow taste,” making them want it again and again.

3. Easy availability

Everywhere — supermarkets, parties, school canteens — junk options are more visible than healthy ones.

4. Peer pressure

When other kids are eating chips, chocolates or noodles, your child also wants to feel included.

Common Health Issues From Junk Food

Eating too much outside food can lead to:

• Weak immunity
• Frequent cold, cough, fever
• Low appetite for home food
• Constipation and digestive issues
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Low energy and irritability
• Poor concentration in studies
• Early signs of lifestyle diseases

But the good news is — early habits can be changed with small, smart steps.

How New Mothers Can Encourage Healthy Eating

🍎 

1. Make Healthy Food “Fun”

Kids enjoy colours, shapes, and creativity.

Example:

• Fruit skewers
• Veggie parathas cut in shapes
• Mini idli with colourful chutneys
• Smoothie bowls

👩‍🍳 

2. Involve kids in cooking

Let them wash fruits, mix ingredients, or choose vegetables.

When kids participate, they become excited to taste the food.

🧺 

3. Reduce junk slowly, not suddenly

Kids resist when you say “No chips from today.”

Instead reduce quantity gradually:

• Replace fries with homemade potato wedges
• Replace packaged juice with fresh juice or coconut water

🍽️ 

4. Set a family example

If parents eat healthy, kids copy naturally.

Family mealtime encourages healthy habits.

🕒 

5. Maintain a meal routine

Irregular eating leads to cravings for junk.

A fixed timetable helps build discipline.

🌱 

6. Offer variety, not repetition

Kids get bored easily.

Small changes in recipes keep them interested.

🌟 

7. Give positive encouragement

Praise small efforts:

“Wow, you ate a carrot piece today! I’m proud of you.”

This builds confidence and curiosity toward new foods.

Healthy Snack Ideas Kids Actually Love

• Fruit chaat with honey & chia
• Veggie upma or poha
• Moong dal chilla
• Mini vegetable idli
• Paneer tikka
• Homemade bhel with sprouts
• Whole wheat banana pancakes
• Makhanas (foxnuts)
• Smoothies with dry fruits

These snacks are tasty, colourful, and super healthy for growing kids.

Final Message to New Mothers

Dear moms, you are doing your best — and your child’s relationship with food will grow beautifully with your love and patience.

Healthy habits don’t change in one day.

But small, gentle steps every day make a big difference.

Your child doesn’t need a perfect diet.

They just need a balanced and loving approach to food.

You are shaping their future health, immunity, and lifestyle — one meal at a time. ❤️