Kids are most certainly the pickiest eaters on the planet. This along with the fact that, nutritions consumed through the early years of development dictate the quality of a child’s life has sent parents into a tailspin.
- Nuts – They can be added into the pancake or waffle mix. Crushed nuts with a little bit of caramelized sugar make for healthy and nutritive treats. Home made energy bars with nuts, a few chocolate chips, dried fruits and seeds thrown into the mix are appealing to children and consumed without any fuss.
- Fruits – Fruits are rich in fiber and provide an entire range of nutrients the body requires, from proteins to vitamins. Identify the tastes a child likes and serving fruits that compliments these tastes. Fruits are also very colorful, making for pleasant and exciting visuals for smaller children.
- Meat – Consumption of foods rich in protein is very important. Lean meat like chicken is ideal for children. Forcing foods onto children could reinforce their dislike for certain items, so if a child refuses to eat a particular dish it is normal. A child may have to look at a particular dish 8 – 10 times before actually trying it.
- Milk – Consumption of milk is very essential for the growth and development of children. Milk is the primary source of calcium in a kid’s diet.
- Cheese – It is not essential to count calories with children, however low – fat dairy products should be introduced into their diet on a daily basis. This stops children from getting into the habit of consuming fatty foods, as they grow older.
- Yogurt – Yogurt is available in many flavors and colors. Yogurt is an enjoyable snack packed with the right nutrients to make it healthy food. To take it a step further, one can make yogurt at home and reduce the risk of serving food laden with preservatives to kids.
- Fish – Most young children try to avoid fish; fish fingers are an easy alternative. Fish supplies the kids little bodies with iodine and omega 3 fatty acids. It is important that food looks interesting and smell appealing when served. Try different recipes and methods of serving, this might entice the children to give the food a chance.
- Vegetables – This food group is often discriminated against and avoided by most children as if an unexplainable stigma is attached to it. This strong dislike stems from the way the food is presented to the child. It is the parents’ job to present vegetables in a different light. Adding vegetables to cheesy snacks or presenting salads made up of vegetables and a few other food items that are appealing to the child will help.
- Grains – Whole grains are often the most substantial portions of a kid’s meal. It is important to regulate the quantity consumed. Parents insisting on children finishing everything on their plates, force their children to eat more. These children never learn to understand when their body is saying enough. This leads to overeating and obesity. Smaller meals and snack times set up at shorter intervals help children consume the required amount of nutrition without all the fuss.
- Eggs – Eggs are a very important part of every one’s diet, irrespective of age. Eggs can be diced, sliced, added to salads, into sandwiches and even served concealed in drinks. Eggs help with the proper development of bones and muscles. It is imperative that children consume at least 2 – 3 eggs a week.
In the struggle to get the right nutrients into kids, brash methods and destructive habits have been brought into play. Hope the above mentioned 10 healthy foods for kids are useful for those who want their kids to be healthy.