Top 7 Factors Affecting Food and Nutrition in Children_ Indian Perspective

Introduction

What one chooses to eat can have a strong influence on their cognitive and physical development. Food is one of the driving forces behind sustained energy levels and intrinsic motivation. As per nutrients published in 2023, the quality of food may determine a child's focus and attention levels in the classroom.

It may also protect a child against health ailments and strengthen their immunity. However, a person's food choices may depend on different factors. Understanding these determinants can help parents understand the causes of deficiency among kids and the necessary alterations that they need to make. Moreover, it may also enhance awareness among parents related to the importance of a holistic and balanced diet for kids.

Factors Affecting Food and Nutrition Choices Among Kids

Choosing food and diet for one’s child may depend on a lot of complex factors. It may include the stage of childhood, the availability of resources, and much more. To better understand, here are some of the top factors affecting food and nutrition choices among kids.

Education About Nutrition

Knowledge related to the importance of a balanced diet is extremely substantial in making mindful decisions related to one's health. Parents who have a deep understanding of the importance of a healthy diet may provide their child with a healthier and complete diet as compared to parents who have no idea about nutrition. In certain cases, parents may have access to information, but refuse to acknowledge it because of a different mindset and lack of trust in these sources.

Accessibility and Affordability

The availability of food resources is one of the key determinants in deciding the quality of diet a child will have. In underdeveloped countries, people living below the poverty line may struggle to provide even two meals for their child every day. In such a scenario, getting a balanced diet full of necessary nutrients may seem like a luxury. Moreover, the household income is also one of the major factors influencing what kind of diet a child gets at home. Parents who can afford to provide their child with a balanced and healthy meal may look for more complete and nutritionally dense food options.

Societal Norms

In some societies, consumption of meat is considered normal. On the other hand, in selective societies, consumption may be considered against societal norms or brutal. Hence, the quality and the type of diet a child consumes can be highly dependent on the norms of their immediate social circle. There are certain recipes and ingredients that have been preferred among specific cultures and societies since generations. In such a scenario, one may witness a significant inclination of people towards these recipes and ingredients.

Time Constraints

Mostly, kids are dependent on their parents for their meals and snacks. Parents who are properly involved in their child's regular activities and meal planning may give their child better quality meals than those who are always busy. A child's nutrition and health might be overlooked if both parents are always busy. This may lead to a lack of a properly balanced and nutritious diet for kids. On the other hand, parents who devote a substantial amount of time to planning their child's meals and making healthy food may be able to take better care of their child.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can be defined as a psychological condition in which a child may have abnormal eating patterns, such as eating a lot or not eating at all. Such extreme habits may have an impact on the way a child consumes their everyday meals. As per NLM, a child suffering from an eating disorder may have either extreme unhealthy eating habits, such as binge eating, or only consuming food items high in sugar. The other extreme can be not eating at all and having an unhealthy obsession with losing weight and looking slim. Kids suffering from such eating disorders may have some unconventional dietary choices.

Market Trends

Market trends can have a deep impact on individuals' dietary choices, especially in today's age. Different types of companies can run marketing campaigns to attract kids and other target audiences. Moreover, kids can be influenced by the dietary choices of their friends and peers at school. This may compel the child to alter their dietary choices and choose food that everyone else is eating. It's important to understand that market trends may keep evolving, which is why such choices among kids may keep changing with time.

Age Group

Kids may also have different dietary requirements according to their age group. For example, the nutritional needs of a child aged 3 to 5 can be extremely different from those of a child aged 13 to 16. Depending upon a child's growth and developmental stage, parents may choose food items that can improve their physical and cognitive health.

Conclusion

While there are many factors that may impact your child's nutritional choices, the above are some of the common factors. Observing and studying these factors carefully may help parents understand some hidden trends and make more mindful dietary choices for their children.