Nutrition Basics for Children
People need basic nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals in a well-balanced diet to be healthy. The same thing goes for children. Since is at an age where his body is growing both physically, mentally and emotionally, you should take this time to introduce him to the importance of proper nutrition. Children can be very picky eaters and they tend to love sweet and fatty foods that aren't very good for their health.
Meats should be lean, not full of fat, because too much calories may cause your child to become overweight. Make sure that he gets the proper amount of calories in his everyday meal. Children ages three to nine need an average of at least 1,300 or more calories a day. Ten year olds need about 1,800 and adolescents need about 2,800 calories a day. Turkey, chicken and fish are very good sources of meat without too much fat. Vegetables should be served at least twice a day. Children also need an ample amount of water every day so make sure they get plenty of water to drink.
Avoid buying snacks that are unhealthy for your child. Stock up with healthy foods like non-fat goods, whole wheat cereals and plenty of fruits and serve them to your kids as snacks. If your child is a picky eater, getting him chewable supplements can also help, although it's important that you let him eat healthy. Sodas and other commercial drinks should also be avoided since they contain empty calories and aren't very healthy.
Be creative in preparing your child's meals. Do some research and find good ways to make healthy eating fun for your kid. Forcing your kids to eat healthy would be no good since they would only rebel more. Let them indulge on their favorite treats once in a while, but keep it in moderation.
Get your kid to eat and live healthy by being good examples. Let's face it, children learn and they are more motivated if they see someone doing the same. So eat healthy with your child, find fun ways to cook or shop for healthy foods. Introduce him and yourself to good nutrition. Also, get your child to live healthy with you. He doesn't need to do heavy exercise; a good game of baseball or tag would be healthier for you and your kid. You'd be more healthy, and you'd get to spend more time bonding with your kid as well.
Meats should be lean, not full of fat, because too much calories may cause your child to become overweight. Make sure that he gets the proper amount of calories in his everyday meal. Children ages three to nine need an average of at least 1,300 or more calories a day. Ten year olds need about 1,800 and adolescents need about 2,800 calories a day. Turkey, chicken and fish are very good sources of meat without too much fat. Vegetables should be served at least twice a day. Children also need an ample amount of water every day so make sure they get plenty of water to drink.
Avoid buying snacks that are unhealthy for your child. Stock up with healthy foods like non-fat goods, whole wheat cereals and plenty of fruits and serve them to your kids as snacks. If your child is a picky eater, getting him chewable supplements can also help, although it's important that you let him eat healthy. Sodas and other commercial drinks should also be avoided since they contain empty calories and aren't very healthy.
Be creative in preparing your child's meals. Do some research and find good ways to make healthy eating fun for your kid. Forcing your kids to eat healthy would be no good since they would only rebel more. Let them indulge on their favorite treats once in a while, but keep it in moderation.
Get your kid to eat and live healthy by being good examples. Let's face it, children learn and they are more motivated if they see someone doing the same. So eat healthy with your child, find fun ways to cook or shop for healthy foods. Introduce him and yourself to good nutrition. Also, get your child to live healthy with you. He doesn't need to do heavy exercise; a good game of baseball or tag would be healthier for you and your kid. You'd be more healthy, and you'd get to spend more time bonding with your kid as well.
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