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Child Nutrition
By Jeetu of Bigplanners.com
Like an adult, every child needs appropriate amounts of calories, proteins, minerals,
and vitamins to grow. The new Food Guide Pyramid Guidelines outline the amount of grains,
vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats or beans people should eat daily. Children
between the ages of four and six can usually have serving sizes recommended for adults, while
younger children, who have smaller stomachs and lower nutritional needs, need smaller amounts
of food. But apart from consuming the right quantity, parents should keep in mind that exposure
to a wide variety of healthful foods early in a child's life can set the stage for more variety
later. Since children are often reluctant to try new foods and would be happy eating the same
foods every day, the role of the parent is that of a guide towards a healthy and nutritional
food lifestyle.
First of all, it is important for growing children to get the full range of important nutrients,
especially protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin A. Although appetite variations are considered
by experts as normal and might increase during times of rapid growth, or diminish during
periods of slow growth, the general rule of thumb is that a 3 year old needs not more than
1,300 calories daily, a 10 year old around 2,000 and an adolescent may require as many as 2,800
depending on the height, weight and daily activity level.
- Fruits and Vegetables:
Have always available in the fridge, plenty of fresh fruits and
vegetables that your kids can chew in case they are suddenly hungry or in-between lunches.
Remember to keep fruit juice on one service daily since the sugar this drink contains has a lot
of 'hidden' calories. Broccoli, carrots, and vegetables with bright colors, usually attract
children's attention and help them fill their stomachs with something healthy instead of a bag
of fried potato chips.
- Dairy products:
Foods that are rich in calcium are essential for children and adults helping
them build and maintain strong bones. Low fat milk and fat-free dairy products should be served
daily and kids have to eat cheeses with 2-6 grams of fat per ounce. The needed calcium can also
enter your child's organism if he or she consumes orange juice and eats yogurt. Treats made with
frozen yogurt and fruits, or milkshakes made with low-fat milk are always welcomed and provide
the necessary sweet taste children usually crave.
- Grains:
In fact, your child's diet should be based on grains and starches. Whole grain
products also contain iron that kids need and whole-wheat bread or pasta can give them the
necessary grains for their bodies to function properly.
- Liquids: Remember to serve your child plenty of water and low-fat milk. Avoid sugary sodas
and high-fat ice-cream milkshakes.
- Portions:
Always serve appropriate portions and weight your kids often. Sugary foods or those
containing high-fat ingredients should be generally avoided. Offer healthy snacks, like
vegetables, fruits or a ball of whole-grain cereal and allow them to eat crackers with cheese
and low-fat chocolate milk.
Finally, you have to check if your child is gaining the normal amount of weight as it grows up
and that it exercises often. Outdoor activities and a healthy diet plan are enough to provide
your kids with the necessary amount of energy they need and build strong bodies.
Children Nutrition Recommended by Jeetu, Click Here Now
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