Many children are eager to eat in the summer
When the outside temperature reached nearly 40 degrees Celsius, Ms. Ta Thi Trang (Hai Phong) started a new "war" at the family meal. Her children are all sluggish and eat much less than before.
"This afternoon, I cook a soup of Vietnamese Malabar spinach and Chinese cabbage, the child only eats a few tablespoons of rice and pushes the bowl out. These past few days, the weather has been hot, and the children are bored every time they come to eat. I have to figure out how to make new dishes online, learn to make new and eye-catching dishes to change the taste that the children still shake their heads with, Ms. Trang shared.
Not only Ms. Trang's family, many other parents are in a similar situation.
According to a survey from the Vietnam National Institute of Nutrition, children with feeding Binh have a rate of about 45.9 - 57.7%. This is an alarming number because children with prolonged cravings will seriously affect their comprehensive development, both physically and mentally.
In particular, the group of children aged 1 to 3 with an appetite rate ranging from 30 - 40% due to many different reasons such as fear of eating because of forced eating, inappropriate nutrition, boring menu or children with infections causing digestive disorders.
Mr. Dinh Hoang Khoi (Ha Dong, Hanoi) shared that his son is 2 years old this year, often skips meals and only accepts to drink milk.
"My child was hospitalized for mild malnutrition, the doctor warned that if he did not improve, it would affect both his height and intelligence later. My wife and I have to change the way we cook, discuss dishes like a game to lure our children to eat each piece," said Mr. Hoang Khoi.
Anorexia not only makes parents tired but also carries long-term consequences such as micronutrient deficiency, developmental delays, and even affects children's immunity and ability to learn in the future. In the context of hot weather, the need for nutritional care in the summer is more urgent than ever.
Experts suggest a diet to help children eat delicious and nutritious
Talking to reporters, Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Thi Nhung - Head of the Department of Nutrition, Sun Hospital - explained that during hot summer days, the young body has to adjust more to adapt to high temperatures, which can easily lead to fatigue and loss of appetite.
Children's need for electrolytes and water increases significantly, so if they do not properly adjust their diet and activities, children can easily fall into a state of erratic eating, lack of micronutrients, and even lose weight, the expert analyzed.
To improve this condition, according to Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Thi Nhung, parents should build a summer menu with soft, easy-to-eat and nutritious dishes. refreshing soups such as hives, shrimp squid soup, and pumpkin soup are suitable choices. Meals should ensure all 4 basic groups of nutrients: Sugary powder, protein, healthy fats and mineral vitamins from vegetables and fruits.
Boiled and steamed dishes should be prioritized instead of fried foods high in oil. At the same time, children should limit carbonated water, milk tea or sugary snacks because they can cause bloating and reduce hunger.
Parents should also encourage children to exercise gently in the early morning or late afternoon - when the weather is cooler. This helps stimulate digestion, improve sleep and increase cravings. In addition, it is necessary to maintain a regular lifestyle for children even during the summer vacation to avoid disrupting the body's biological clock," the expert emphasized.
Summer is still long, and for many families, providing quality, adequate meals for children is still a challenge. However, with attention, flexibility in processing and a scientific understanding of nutrition, parents can completely help their children overcome this stage more healthily and gently.
