How to get kids comfortable with nutritious eating | Jaya Sarin Pradhan | TEDxHarvard Square

Nutrition & Health Concerns - 93% of Americans love to eat, highlighting the widespread interest in food [1] - The increasing number of tumor cases in young people, especially young women and mothers, raises concerns about preventable diseases [3] - Nutrition is identified as a missing link in healthcare, impacting overall health [4] Familiarity & Education - People tend to stick to familiar food choices, making it more than just an access issue [6] - Children often choose chips or candy bars over fresh fruits and vegetables due to familiarity [6] - Nutrition education should be prioritized and instilled through repetition, similar to how the alphabet is taught [8] - It takes 8 to 15 exposures to a new food before a child accepts it [10] Solutions & Recommendations - Schools should offer kid-approved whole foods in lunches [11] - Countries like Japan teach nutrition, food preparation, and enjoyment, building lifelong healthy habits [12] - Families should prioritize fruits and vegetables at home to encourage nutritious snacking [13] - Small steps, like cooking together and honest conversations about food, can promote healthy eating habits [16]