8 Ways to Increase Children's Appetite

Children who close their mouths and refuse to eat often make parents confused. Do not let children experience growth disorders due to hunger strikes or picking up food. Therefore, it is important to find out ways to increase a child's appetite. A person's appetite is controlled by the hormones ghrelin and leptin. The hormone ghrelin increases appetite, while the hormone leptin functions to reduce appetite and inhibit hunger. The hormone ghrelin is released in the stomach which then gives the brain hunger signals. Parents can estimate the calorie intake of children so that no less than their needs. The calorie needs of children per day differ according to age, sex and physical activity. On average, children aged 2-3 years need about 1,000 calories per day, ages 4-8 years need 1,200-1,800 calories per day, and children 9-13 years need 1,600-2,200 calories per day.

Easy Ways to Increase Children's Appetite

Lack of appetite in children and adults can be caused by various things, including stress, tension, side effects of drugs, taste and appearance of food that is not attractive, or the presence of certain medical conditions. The fix, of course, must be adjusted to the cause. However, there are some things you can try as a way to increase your child's appetite, including:

• Avoid forceful actions

The actions of parents who force their children to eat because they feel worried can actually provoke tension at mealtime. This can make children less sensitive to hunger later in life.

• Create an attractive display of food

A colorful dish will attract the eye, so hopefully it can make mealtime enjoyable. Try to combine a variety of vegetables with different colors, and serve with carbohydrate, protein, and fat sources, in a balanced portion of food. This will greatly support the adequacy of nutrition in children.

• Flirt with food aroma

To attract appetite can also be through the aroma of food that is pleasing and tempting. Able to serve warm food that has just finished cooking, or warm the food before serving.

• Divide in small portions

A plate full of food can reduce appetite. Siasati by dividing it into smaller portions to be served several times. In addition, small portions will also be easier to prepare.

• Create unique and new food creations

Giving the same food every day can make your little one bored and may reject the food. To work around this, try to create a variety of foods with unique and varied creations. This will not only foster curiosity to try new foods, but also complement the nutritional intake obtained by Little.

• Limit drinks when eating

To maintain your appetite and prevent satiety, you should avoid drinking too much during mealtime. Give water, juice, tea, or other drinks to the child after eating.

• Involve the child when preparing food

Encourage children to shop and prepare food to be served. Parents will have the opportunity to find out what kind of food the child likes, while explaining good nutrition. In this way, children will be more excited when

• Consult a doctor

If the appetite disorder drags on, consult the condition to the doctor. Deficiencies in certain mineral substances, such as zinc, are known to reduce appetite and trigger taste buds. Early research conducted on animals concluded that zinc supplementation can increase appetite in cases of short-term zinc deficiency.

Do not rush to give supplements when the child seems difficult to eat. Always consult a pediatrician before giving any supplement to a child. Try to apply first how to increase the child's appetite above, so the child wants to eat and nutritional needs are still fulfilled.