In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon to find children, and even adults, munching on snacks while watching TV or using electronic devices.

With the ease of accessibility to screens, parents find it hard to monitor their children’s consumption and the type of food being consumed. This trend of snacking while watching screens is becoming increasingly widespread, and there are factors behind it.

Why Children Munch on Snacks while Watching Screens

According to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, children consume an average of 400 extra calories per day when they eat while watching screens.

The study found that children who ate alone while watching screens consumed more calories and had poorer eating habits than those who had family meals at the table.

One of the reasons why children munch on snacks while watching screens is distraction. When their minds are focused on the screen, they tend to lose track of how much they’re eating.

Also, the constant exposure to advertisements for junk food on TV and online platforms makes them crave unhealthy snacks. These snacks are usually high in sugar, fat, and salt, and consuming them regularly can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues.

The Impact of Screen-based Snacking on Children’s Health

The excessive consumption of unhealthy snacks can have a detrimental impact on children’s health, especially their dental health. Sugary and starchy snacks can cause tooth decay and erosion, which can lead to cavities and other dental problems.

Also, the high intake of calories can lead to weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for numerous health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

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Snacking on unhealthy foods can also affect children’s cognitive abilities and academic performance. Studies show that there is a connection between poor dietary habits and poor academic achievement, memory, and concentration.

Healthy Snacking Habits While Watching Screens

While it’s challenging to avoid screen-based snacking entirely, parents can adopt some healthy habits to promote better eating habits in their children.

One of these habits is to keep healthy snacks within reach to avoid reaching for unhealthy ones. These snacks could include fruits, vegetables, nuts, or low-fat yogurt.

Another healthy habit is to reduce screen time and encourage children to participate in other activities that involve physical movement. Children who engage in physical activities tend to have healthier eating habits and consume fewer unhealthy snacks.

Also, parents can teach their children about the importance of a balanced diet and make healthy food choices.

Exposing them to different types of food and involving them in meal planning and preparation can help cultivate healthy eating habits and improve their overall health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the trend of screen-based snacking is one that is becoming increasingly common, especially among children. While it’s a challenging habit to break, it’s essential to promote healthy eating habits and reduce unhealthy snacking.

Parents can encourage healthy snacking habits by reducing screen time, keeping healthy snacks within reach, and involving children in meal planning and preparation. By adopting these healthy habits, parents can promote better health and prevent their children from developing serious health problems such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.