With a complete change in lifestyle, our eating habits have gone haywire. Our busy schedule makes us depend on junk food placing health in a background. Not just adults but even children have to depend on take-outs. This does not allow the nutrition that a child needs from a very young age.
It is very essential that a child gains all the required nutrition in his growing years, to thrive well in all aspects. As a parent, it becomes your responsibility to ensure that your child’s nutritional requirements are fulfilled.
To gain all the nutrients, a balanced diet becomes crucial for all, whether your child is a toddler, a preschooler, a grade-schooler or a teenager. Only the nutritional requirements will differ with age.
Lack of these proper nutrients will make your child more prone to deficiency diseases. Not wanting that, here are some nutritional tips for your toddler, preschooler, grade-schooler, and teenager.
NUTRITION TIPS FOR TODDLER
A child between the ages of one to three is generally referred to as a toddler. At this age, you can expect your baby to hold the spoon and try eating on his own. Your child would prefer to have 3 meals a day with small things to munch on, in between to maintain his/ her energy.
To ensure that your little one gains all the essential nutrients, here are some nutrition tips:
- Never force your child to eat or limit his food. Your child knows when he is hungry and how much he needs to eats to get that tummy full. If your force, you may encourage future overeating.
- Make water the drink of choice at all times and make all other juices an occasional treat.
- Eat together. To eat together as a family does not only support healthy eating habits but also teach social lessons.
- Make sure, your child takes fruits, vegetables, and dairy products as an essential part of the diet.
READ: 5 Tips to Manage Your Child’s Nutrition and Lifestyle
NUTRITION FOOD FOR PRESCHOOLERS, GRADE-SCHOOLER, AND TEENAGERS
As your child grows he makes strong opinions about his likes and dislikes about food. Know what your child wants to eat and do not stop them. However, limit them.
- Motivate your child to have healthy food choices by adopting it yourself.
- Do not forget to make exercise a part of your routine.
- Focus on drinking as much water as they can.
- A teen requires more calorie intake to adapt to the bodily changes. So try to restrict the calories intake.
- Include food that are fibrous and calcium-rich
Although a big battle, it pays off by getting your child healthy. After all, a healthy child grows into a healthy adult.
