How different this is from summer camps, afternoons in the park, and gatherings with friends outdoors. In fact, in a recent survey carried out in the City of Buenos Aires, 4 out of 10 parents said that their children use electronic devices between 2 and 5 hours a day; and almost a quarter (23.4%) said that their children use them more than 5 hours a day. The start of summer vacations for the youngest children represents challenges to maintain routines, strengthen or develop eating patterns, promote outdoor life, and reduce screen time Experts from PROFENI (Expert Professionals in Child Nutrition) reflected on this topic and shared a series of recommendations backed by scientific evidence.
Tips from specialists to build healthy habits in children
The recommendations drawn up by PROFENI professionals are designed to guide both parents and those who work with children, highlighting that building habits not only focused on food but also on daily activities that influence general well-being:
VA variedand balanced diet
Healthy eating starts with diversity. Including different foods from all food, groups ensures a proper nutrient intake and also helps develop a broad palate and acceptance of new flavors. Childhood nutrition should prioritize foods with high nutritional density and include a variety of fruits and vegetables, legumes, lean meats (beef, pork, and fish), dairy products (prioritizing fermented ones, such as yogurt, which is a live food that provides microorganisms, as well as calcium, vitamin D and proteins), whole grains and sugar-free drinks – preferably water . And leave for special occasions those options high in critical nutrients (sodium, sugar, and saturated fats), such as candy, ice cream,m or sweet cookies. Dr. Omar Tabacco, member of PROFENI and former president of the Argentine Society of Pediatrics, pointed out that “at all stages of life, eating healthy is key to taking care of one’s health, but in childhood, the foundations for future health are being laid, so the adequate intake of nutrients is vital and can significantly contribute to reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases in the future. ”
Eating routines
How we eat and with whom we eat is as important as what we eat, said Alberto Arribas nutrition specialist, president of the Asociación Civil Supersaludable and member of PROFENI. Routines help children recognize hunger and satiety signals. From a young age, it is recommended that children eat meals at regular times, share as many meals as possible with the family, and avoid distractions such as screens during mealtimes.
Active life and time outdoors sedentary lifestyle are other challenges of the modern era. In addition, play is an innate right. Active life benefits the entire body from a comprehensive perspective; active childhoods promote health, strengthen growth, development and cultivate comprehensive well-being,” PROFENI recognizes. Active living and healthy eating go hand in hand. There are studies that associate the consumption of foods such as yogurt with healthier lifestyle patterns, including nutrition, but also an increase in active living and a consequent reduction in exposure to screens.
Giving healthy examples
Children learn by imitation, so adults have a key role in forming healthy habits If a child sees his or her parents choosing healthy foods, enjoying an active life o, and managing emotions constructively, he or she is much more likely to adopt these behaviors. The habits of adults – voluntarily or not – are a direct mirror for the little ones ” stressed Dr. Monica Katz, a nutrition specialist, former president of the Argentine Nutrition Society, and member of PROFENI.
Public policies
Promoting healthy habits is not the sole responsibility of families. “School break can be a great opportunity for schools to plan and develop initiatives aimed at helping children establish a healthy lifestyle. Educational institutions, the private sector,r, and governments must work together to create health-promoting environments during school breaks, from playgrounds and food education in schools to regulations that ensure access to healthy options.”