As parents, it is difficult to ensure that the children are having a balanced diet that they need. Instead of worrying much, just include the following foods in kid’s diet, and rest assured that the child is getting the much needed nutrients essential for his healthy growth. Also, take down some of these dietary tips to keep a check on their diet and health.
- Whole grain cereals like cornflakes, brown bread, brown rice, popcorn, etc are nutritionally high in dietary fiber, antioxidants, protein, dietary minerals and vitamins. Starting your child’s day with whole grain products will keep him full and active for a long time.
- A variety of Vegetables should be included in the diet as these are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. These can be consumed raw, boiled, steamed or stir fried in little oil. Avoid French fries or any other deep fried vegetables!
- Daily intake of Fruits is known to reduce risk factors of some serious diseases in the long term. Providing with adequate amount of fruits is the best thing you can do to ensure your child’s good health. Fruits are best eaten fresh, do not cut and store them in refrigerator for long! Also, sodas and other soft drinks can be replaced with fruit juice at home.
- Milk is one of the most nutritious foods rich in vitamins A, B12, D, protein, phosphorous, riboflavin, potassium, calcium and niacin. Milk and milk products should be a significant part of your kid’s daily diet.
- Eggs are a rich source of proteins, vitamin A, calcium and iron. Including eggs into your child’s daily intake in several preparations would add variety to the daily meals.
Dietary Tips for Kids
- The diet of a child should be balanced and must meet his nutritional requirements.
- It should includes variety of nutritious foods offering plenty of proteins, vitamins and minerals and less of fat, sugar, cholesterol, sodium and calories.
- Make sure that diet of the child is light and easily digestible.
- It’s good to bake, roast or poach foods instead of cooking spicy, oily and fried foods for kids.
- Serve fruit and vegetable juices, vegetable soups and low fat milk instead of cold drinks, sweetened sodas and fruit-flavored drinks.
- Ice-cream and other desserts can be substituted with yogurt smoothies.
- For snacks in between meals, salads can be served with different delicious salad dressings.
- Drinking plenty of water keeps the body hydrated and healthy.
- Involve the child in activities like dancing, gardening and other sports of his interest.
- Help the child to give up mental tension, anxiety, anger and fear so that they remain mentally as well as physically active.
Mealtime can be trying for parents and the struggle to feed the child is sometimes too much to that we give in to their demands for fast food/junk snacks. If child refuses everything you serve, try creative techniques to help you sneak variety and nutrients into his diet. Promoting healthy habits in kids can set the foundation for overall health in the future.
