Fighting The Diet Shift With Aqiva

Every mom has her own story when it comes to feeding her child. Every meal times becomes a daily struggle but i believe that every moms knows how to cope with this problems. Some moms resort to bribing, giving treats or gifts whenever their child finishes his lunch while other transform into a monster moms and others just give in, thinking that eating unhealthy food is better than not eating at all. 

Children are easily tempted by unhealthy food because it seems fun and exciting to eat and taste better because it has flavors, colors and textures. Ages 4-7 years old are the stage where kids learned to make their own choices and will tell you what they want. So, at this age the threat of the Diet Shift starts.

Wyeth Nutrition's AQIVA recognizes this problem, and has partnered with moms to help secure their children's nutrition and health. Recently, Aqiva launched "Food Talk", an event where mothers helped to educate how to fight the Diet Shift of kids and provided them with empowering solutions.

Its a mom-to-mom talk led by the celebrity mom and TV host Mikee Cojuanco-Jaworski. She also experienced the diet shift with her children. Child and health experts are also there to give advice and tips on how to deal with the Diet Shift. Dr. Bernadette Benitez, a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Specialist and Ms. Luz Callanta, a nutrition Expert and Lecturer.

In a recent study done by Dr. Emilie Flores regarding the dietary characteristics of Filipino children, ages 1-6 years old from NCR, its is alarming to know that only 20% consumed fruits and vegetable at least once a day and meet the minimum acceptable diet standards based on the WHO indicators. Also, only a third received adequate amount of complementary & iron-rich foods. It is very unfortunate that this inadequacy in nutrient intake happens at the crucial age of a child's development.

During the event, mothers realized that to teach children how to eat healthy, they must understand why the unhealthy food appeal to children in the first place. That is why Celebrity Chef Jackie Laudico of Bistro Filipino helped the mothers and guest how to prepare their healthy meals that kids will enjoy. She said that she always plays around with three main elements which are the color, shape and texture when preparing meals for children. She showcased her techniques and allow guests to have a hands-on experience in preparing kid-friendly dishes.

She demonstrate how to prepare the Very Berry Pops - cake pops made from camote cake and berries, Vegan Burger - made from soy and grains with rice pilaf served with vegetable sticks and dips, and the Kiddie Canapes - whole wheat bread with cheese, veggies and grilled or baked fish and chicken cut and sliced in interesting shapes.

It was so much fun and I think children will love to have it because it has different colors, shapes and texture that are pleasing to their eyes. It will definitely caught their attention. With this healthy options drinking milks like Aqiva will adds nutrients for kids daily allowances.

For more information on Aqiva, parent may call the Wyeth Careline at 81-WYETH (81-99384) for Metro Manila and 1-800-10-884-2222 (toll-free) for provinces. Parents may also log on to www.facebook.com/AqivaPH.