Nutrition is vital for everybody, especially children. It’s significant that children be trained to practice eating healthy when they are still small. Good eating habits are one of the most important steps toward a life of good health. Eating well increases your child’s chance to do well in school, as well as improving concentration and behavior.


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Healthy eating guidelines for children:

  • Vegetables and Fruits - Two servings each day of each. These may be given as snacks such as apple slices or carrot slices. Also try to slip in the form of vegetable soup.
  • Whole grains - Four times daily. It can also include buckwheat pancakes or toasted bread, multigrain bread for breakfast, brown rice, a sandwich with whole wheat or whole grain bread for lunch or other whole grains as part of dinner.
  • Protein - Two servings per day. Encourage your kids to try a variety of foods in this category, like baked beans, turkey, fish, eggs, lamb, chicken and lentils. TAKE NOTE: Nuts, while an excellent source of protein is not a good choice for children under five years due to choking hazard.
  • Minerals and Vitamins - Ask your child's doctor to make sure your child's diet is adequate in nutritional requirements recommended for this age group.

Healthy eating plan:

  • Normal family meals. Dinner is served at just about the same time each night and it is an opportunity for the whole family to sit together and bond. It is a comforting time that provides an excellent opportunity for your children to share what is on their minds. Breakfast is one more good time for a healthy meal, particularly because children who eat breakfast are likely to do well in school.
  • Prepare more food at home. Eating foods that are home-cooked are healthier for the family and a good example for children with regards to the significance of food. Many foods served in restaurants tend to be higher in sugar, fat and salt.
  • Let the children participate. Children like to help adults in the grocery store especially in choosing what is packed in their lunch boxes and dinner preparation. It’s also an opportunity for you to train them the nutritional values of various foods and teach them how to read food labels.
  • Keep healthy foods available and have the pantry free from empty-calorie snacks. Store plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grain snacks plus healthy beverages around that are easy for children to become accustomed to looking for healthy snacks when they are hungry.
  • Allow them to choose. To build a healthy relationship with food for your children, do not battle or force your child to clean their plate, and never use food as a reward.