Promoting Healthy Eating Habits Among Children: A Nutritional and Behavioral Perspective

Abstract

Childhood is a critical period for establishing healthy eating behaviors that influence lifelong health outcomes. Despite growing awareness of nutrition, children often consume diets high in sugar, salt, and fat. This study aimed to explore the nutritional and behavioral determinants of healthy eating among children aged 6–12 years using the Social Ecological Model (SEM). A qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with parents and teachers, focus group discussions with children, and school lunch observations. Thematic analysis revealed that taste preferences, peer influence, parental modeling, school food environments, and media exposure were central determinants of children’s eating behavior. The study highlights that successful promotion of healthy eating requires integrated approaches addressing individual, interpersonal, institutional, and societal levels. It recommends school-based programs with parental involvement, storytelling-based nutrition education, and regulatory control on unhealthy food marketing.

Keywords: Healthy eating, children, nutrition education, behavioral change, Social Ecological Model, qualitative study.