Food Information For Kids For Better Growth

How can good food aid in the better growth and health of kids?

It is important to plan a healthy diet for children to encourage optimum growth and improve their immune system, making them more resistant to the various infections and diseases to which children are susceptible. However, it is equally important to provide a good role model to them by eating the right foods in front of them, encouraging the habit of family meals and avoiding battles over food. Children are naturally fussy and picky about their food, especially at certain difficult ages, so you should try and present the food to them in a manner that is the most appealing to their palate. It goes without saying that a growing child’s meals should contain all the essential nutrients and consumption of junk foods, carbonated drinks and excessive sweets should be avoided as far as possible. This can be done by developing the right eating habits in your child right from a young age.

Healthy Food Ideas For Kids

You should provide your child with a good breakfast that is fortified in vitamins and other essential nutrients. This can be achieved by giving your child a bowl of cereal every morning, especially since there are many cereals now available in the market meant specifically for children. Milk and other dairy products are also important to supply the body with calcium, making the child’s teeth and bones stronger. If your child is lactose intolerant, you can substitute milk products with soy products which are also a good source of proteins and other nutrients.

Meat, fish, lentils, beans and green vegetables are a good source of iron needed for healthy blood and proper growth, especially in girls. Fish is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals which are important for healthy growth. Boys can have up to 4 portions of oily fish such as mackerel, sardines and salmon per week but girls should restrict consumption to 2 portions per week. If you are vegetarian, then you should try and supplement the sources of protein by making your child consume more lentils, beans and dairy products.

Leafy green vegetables, cereals, pulses, watermelon and figs are rich sources of iron. It is important to make your child eat plenty of fruits, especially citrus fruits which are a rich source of Vitamin C needed to develop the immune system and prevent infections, keeping the system strong and healthy. Finally you should try and ensure that your child does not get into the bad habits of drinking too many sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, tea and coffee and avoids snacking too much on chips and pretzels between meals since they can spoil the appetite.