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Healthy Eating for Children

Need advice on Healthy Eating for Children. Know anything about it?
(August 22, 2011)

As part of developing healthy eating habits in one’s children , one should ensure that they try and incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables in their children’s daily meals which could be  either steamed or boil. Healthy eating habits for children should also include reduction or completely eliminating carbonated drinks from their diet and instead encouraging the child to consume plenty of fresh fruits juices and water. The consumption of sugar rich foods and foods that contain white flour should also be minimized as these tend to increase the possibility of obesity in children.

The child’s food should comprise of foods from all the major food groups so that they receive the necessary nutrients and minerals for their healthy development and growth. Children should also not be encouraged to eat their food while watching TV or being distracted and instead should be taught to eat their food slowly by chewing it well.




Submitted by N on August 22, 2011 at 11:04

 

What is food therapy for children?


Food therapy for children deals with helping young babies and children who have a problem with eating or have mealtime issues. These issues could be related to feeding difficulties which could include:-
  • Oral motor deficits
  • Mealtime tantrums
  • Refusal to eat food
  • A difficult in swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Food selectivity by type or texture
  • Delayed feeding development
  • Food or swallowing phobias and so on
Food therapy for kids is recommended if the kids have problems as mentioned above. Parents who are concerned that their children’s habits, should speak to the child’s pediatrician about food therapy.  Keep in mind that some children, when infants may not show any difficulties in nursing but may exhibit behavioral and physical problems when introduced to new combinations of food or new textures of food. Tests will be conducted before food therapy is started. Information will be collected about the child’s height, weight, feeding, medical and developmental history. An observation of a typical feeding may also take place. The doctor will assess whether the child has a lack of oral motor skill or a physical problem which is hampering the feeding. Appropriate food therapy for kids will then be recommended.
Submitted by N on August 10, 2011 at 01:28

 

Is food coloring dangerous for children to consume?

Food color can be used to make certain foods a more uniform color as well as to make them more appealing to children. Food color for children can be found in a variety of cakes, cookies, milk shakes, ice creams, jams, jellies and so on. Most of the food color used for children’s foods and various products are certified and pose no health risk. However, there are also certain food colorings for kids’ foods that have shown negative affects. Research carried out in this field shows that using artificial food coloring for kids can lead to several health problems. These health problems include diseases like cancer, asthma, allergies, and even lower IQ. Food color for children has also been linked to eczema, hyperactivity, behavioral problems as well as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kids. Some food colorings for children are even derived from coal tar which is not recommended for the consumption of children. Many countries all over the world have banned such food colorings. However, companies still continue to use them and various households as well. Now that you are aware of the dangers of using food color in children’s foods, do opt for a more natural alternative to them.
Submitted by N on August 5, 2011 at 01:26

 

How many calories should children consume in a day?


Before we answer this question, it is important to remember that the number of calories per day, whether it is calorie per day for men, or calorie per day for women, or even children, is dependent on several factors. The calorie per day for women or the calorie per day for men depends on factors such as age, height, weight, genes, lifestyle and metabolism. Generally speaking, calorie per day for men is about 2000 to 2500. Calorie per day for women is 1500 to 2400. Children in the age group of 2 to 3 years need about 1000 calories a day; those in the age group of 4-8 years require 1100-1500 calories per day. If you are still not sure about how many calories you require per day, you can go online and calculate this number by using online calorie calculators. Keep in mind that before you calculate calorie per day for men, or calorie per day for women, you will need to calculate your Base Metabolic Rate (BMR). BMR is calculated by multiplying your current body rate by 10. Keep in mind that your activity level also determines average calorie intake.
Submitted by N on July 31, 2011 at 01:25

 

Can children eat honey?


Honey is a natural and wholesome food to give a child but honey for children is not recommended as it can cause infant botulism. This is a rare but fatal illness. Honey for children should only be given after the child completes 12 months of age. Honey contains a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium forms spores which then start producing a dangerous toxin in the baby’s intestines. This toxin is known as botulin. Raw honey for children under 1 and 2 years of age is not advised for the above reason. Children, who are below 2 years, do not have a very developed digestive system and this leads to the bacteria germinating, multiplying and producing the toxin. Keep in mind that not giving honey for children under the age of 2 includes not only raw honey but products that contain honey as well. For example, honey wheat bread, honey crackers and so on. The honey in these products may be processed, but not pasteurized and therefore still contain botulism spores in them. These products should be avoided as well. Do not even cook with honey as the toxin is heat sensitive and it is difficult for the spores to be killed.
Submitted by N on July 25, 2011 at 01:23

 

Overall Development of Children with Healthy Food

Children are in the growing stage where there is also development of various parts of the body. A healthy childhood would lead to a healthy adult. Parents keep on worrying about the health of the child. Healthy eating in children means the child is having all the nutrients in right amounts for growth and development.

Introduce variety in foods .Do not pressurize the child or force him. Let the child make his or her choice. Involve him or her while going for shopping. Let them choose fruits and vegetables. Drinking plenty of water can be beneficial. Teach the child with food habits as soon as possible Replace sweets and candies with fruits. Make them taste the vegetables. Involve the family while eating so that the child can sit with the family. Do not make a habit of watching television while eating as the child may not concentrate on eating.

Give malted, sprouted pulses as these are easily digested. Incorporate whole cereals, fruits either as a whole or in juice form. Milk, soybean and eggs are very much essential for muscle development. Water should be taken in ample amounts to avoid dehydration. Children who eat non vegeteranian can have small amounts of meat pieces, fish fingers or chicken pieces.
Submitted by A V on April 24, 2008 at 09:42

 

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