A well-balanced diet, comprising of all the required nutrients and having just the right amount of calories, is vital for the proper growth of children. While planning the diet for your children, never ever concentrate on one type of food items only. They should be made to consume a wide variety of food stuff, to make sure that they get all the essential nutrients and have a balanced diet. Keep a check on their fast-food intake and make sure that they never skip their meals. To get some more tips on healthy diet for kids, go through the following lines.
A major portion of your kids' diet should comprise of carbohydrates, providing them the energy needed for their growth and development. Carbohydrates also boost the immune system, aid various developmental processes and are essential for storage and transport of energy. Make rice, wheat, maize, bread, pasta, and the like, a part of your children's daily food.
Fruits & Vegetables (Various Nutrients)
Include lost and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your kids' daily diet. They will provide them with vitamins, minerals, fiber and lots of other nutrients. Since they are low on calories, you will not have to worry about you child's waistline as well. It is suggested that you give 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables to your kids, on a daily basis, in the form of salads, juices, puddings, smoothies, milk shakes, etc.
Milk & Other Dairy Products (Calcium)
Milk is one of the food items that should be necessarily made a part of your kids' diet. Apart from direct consumption, you can give it to them in the form of dairy products, like milk, cheese, butter and yogurt, as well. Milk contains a lot of nutrients, right from proteins and fats to calcium and vitamins, making it beneficial in the growth and development of children.
Proteins & Iron
For a kid, who is at the growing stage of his life, it is necessary to consume the right amount of proteins. The nutrient helps aid the proper functioning of the body, apart from being useful in building muscles and forming a part of hemoglobin. So, make sure your kid eats protein-rich foods, like fish, eggs, meat, and pulses. Iron is another nutrient necessary for the growth of a child. It can be given in the form of green leafy vegetables, liver and rice flakes.
Fatty Foods
While some amount of fats is needed by children, make sure that you do not let them consume oily and fatty foods in excess. Keep them away from fast foods, which are high in calories and low on nutrients, as well as soft drinks, as much as possible. Do not forbid them altogether. Just make sure that your kids have it in moderation and never ever replace them for other important food items.