Diets For Growing Kids

Unlike adults, nutrition and diet for kids is a big challenge. In today’s world of media kids at very young age are loaded with attractive and persuasive ads.

Most of the foods that are advertised heavily in TV, radio, and comic books are unhealthy, they are rich in either salt or sugar and excess consumption of the same is not good for kids. Children should be recommended to have food often but need to watch the portion.

Children should be given ample choice of food to eat and it’s very important for parents to teach their children about the benefits of healthy eating. Healthy eating habits should be imbibed in kids in early age so that they never face any health or weight related issue in future.

Major Food Groups

Fats: Unlike adults, children should not be hooked on to low-fat food; parent should introduce healthy fat in kid’s diet. Fats are a vital component for an individual’s diet and the same is true for kids too. Parent should just need to take care their child is eating healthy fat. Few important fats that are helpful in childhood development are Omega6 and Omega3 fats. Sardines, nuts, tuna, sesame, salmon are a few foods that are rich source of Omega 3 fat. On the other hand, Almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado and corns are rich in Omega 6 fat.

Carbohydrates: Many parents think that kid’s food should be less on carbohydrates. If you think alike then you are at the wrong way. In fact there is no need to reduce carbs in children; perhaps carbs should make up the biggest portion of their diet. Children derive their carbs from candies, juice, processed foods, and other snacks. Good and healthy source of carbohydrate are vegetables, fruits, whole grain cereals, crackers, bread, etc.

Protein: Like fats and carbohydrate, protein is also vital for kids. Protein helps the body to function properly; it also helps kids in growing. Some rich source of protein are cheese, eggs, chicken, mil, fish, lamb, turkey, beef, even grains such a millet and oats are good source of plant protein.