How Parents Can Balance Nutrition and Technology

Because technology has made life easier, we can now focus more on our kids’ nutrition

Most things have been reduced to a push of a button or “Hey!” to whatever AI’s running the house. Kids have screens linking them to all sorts of information. Even parents complete most time-consuming tasks like shopping, replenishing the pantry, scheduling meetings, and computing bills with ease. Unfortunately, that’s what left us pretty sedentary—we don’t move, and sometimes, we just go with the flow. We forget that the nutrition plan we created for our families was built to satisfy certain aspects of our lifestyle, which we may have changed drastically due to evolving technology.

With technology saving us time, all the more now we can focus on our family’s nutrition. Here are some things we can do to make sure our kids and we stay energized and healthy despite tech doing most of the heavy lifting:

Use the screen as a “book.”

That’s what most tablets were originally invented for: to save space in shelves because books took too much space. Unfortunately, they’ve become so advanced that technology has become a “digital yaya.” Search up “Bluey” (or whatever cartoon they prefer) on YouTube, and it magically grants parents the five-minute peace they’ve been looking for all week. But don’t worry, we get it: there are just days your kids are the last people you want to be with.

That’s where the problem lies: the peace gets addicting, and we end up leaving our kids glued to the screen. Instead of just using it as the tiny version of the TV, give kids a topic to look up and explain. For teens, their social studies homework is finding places to visit in the metro. For a brain-teasing challenge, have them also figure out multiple routes—without any ride-hailing app.

Everybody’s been harping on screens, when in reality, it’s all about knowing how to use the technology and disciplining ourselves not to doomscroll or get stuck.

Involve the kids with food prep

Considering how many food content creators are out there, they probably would want to try a few recipes themselves.

Getting children involved in preparing meals can spark curiosity and excitement about healthy food. Assigning simple tasks—washing vegetables, mixing ingredients, or plating dishes—helps them build a sense of ownership over what they eat.

Not only does it keep them away from the screens, but it also strengthens family bonds and fosters a deeper appreciation for nutritious meals.

Be Mindful of What They Consume—On Screens and on Plates

Children internalize more than we think. What they watch can normalize habits, including subtle cues about skipping meals or eating junk food.

A gentle but present parental guide helps kids develop discernment. Talk to them about what they see online. Ask questions like:

• “Does that look like a meal that keeps someone strong?”
• “Why do you think rest matters? What about vegetables?”

When kids understand the why behind healthy choices, they’re more likely to adopt them—not because they’re told to, but because they see how it affects their energy and overall well-being.

Understand Nutritional Gaps in a Digital Lifestyle

Technology enriches learning, but it also brings distractions that can disrupt healthy eating routines. Busy schedules, irregular sleep, or selective appetites may prevent children from getting the nutrients they need.

A well-balanced diet remains the cornerstone, but some kids may still benefit from additional nutritional support. Consultation with a pediatrician can help determine if supplementation is appropriate, especially for children struggling with appetite, energy levels, or growth milestones.

Ensuring kids receive the right nutrients helps them stay sharp, active, and ready to thrive—both online and offline.

How Nutrition Helps Them Thrive Digitally

What a lot of us sometimes forget is that our kids’ resilience and ability to thrive are also heavily dependent on the food they eat. Mix in a bit of the healthy stuff and maybe experiment with some of the “bad” stuff—everything in moderation allows them to thrive online and offline.

Unfortunately, balancing nutrition and technology is difficult for working parents who live through the unrelenting corporate lifestyle. Constantly exposed to the screen because of work, being stuck in a nine-hour job with a work culture that’s forgetful of time—these encourage the kids to stick to the screen more. It puts the balance challenge on extra hard mode.

And maybe that’s the heart of modern parenting: doing our best to nourish them—body, mind, and screen habits—while giving ourselves grace in a world that rarely slows down.

More about digital wellness?

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?
Dealing with Screen Addiction: How To Wean Kids Off The Screen
How To Prevent Video Game Addiction in Kids