Play, sunlight and appetite

Now this is an interesting post. It is not entirely non food related, I believe there is quite a connection with food as it has something to do with appetite, more of a baby or a kiddo's appetite.

I've been hearing from moms who struggles on their kiddo's poor appetite or difficulties of feeding. All this while I have only focused on the food, the variety of food, texture and taste, whatnot. Yet, I have missed out a very important issue. Play and sunlight!! Both of these important factors greatly affect our serotonin level (the 'happy' hormone inside us) and thus plays a great role in one's appetite.

 

Have you heard of S.A.D. seasonal affective disorder? It's a type of depression that is more common in countries where sunlight is minimal during the wintery months. It affects both the adults and the little ones. Serotonin (the happy hormone) which regulates mood, decreases when there are fewer hours of daylight, and melatonin, responsible for regulating sleep, increases, and these fluctuations can be associated with depression. Aside from feeling sad or depressed, the little one may be irritable, feel tired, have difficulty concentrating, experience mood changes, or have decreased interest in things he usually enjoys. His eating habits may also be affected.

 

I'm not saying that your kiddo may experience some sort of depression. But I'm only emphasizing on the need of  play time and sunlight in cultivating a happy environment.

 

A mom, whom has difficulty in improving his boy's appetite, reverted that after a short session of play time outside in the park, his boy returned home with a hugely improved appetite and good sleep. Well, it may not certainly be the sunlight, it may just be the increased activity level and thus calorie burnt.  Still, it's good, after all.