About healthy diet for kids
There is a vital formula for a healthy and nutritious diet for kids. It is based on a firm foundation of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat. Wait! Isn’t that the same combination necessary to maintain healthy adults with the best nutrition? What gives? Well, isn’t it true that kids are human, too?
Once children have graduated from the baby food jars, their solid food should and can be the same foods adults eat – or should be eating. The quantities of the individual components of carbohydrates, protein and fat will vary from adult combinations, but basically, it’s the same stuff.
Children should have fruits and vegetables, but do not be fooled that fruit juice will compensate for a fruit or vegetable serving unless it has been juiced with the whole fruit or vegetable at home and known that everything that was contained in the natural package, including seeds and even the skin, if desired, survives to the glass. Fruit and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals and should be consumed with every meal.
Just as with babies, processed foods should not be a major staple of a child’s diet because of their excessive content of salt, sugar and trans fat, all of which are not healthy for children or adults in excessive quantities. They should eat more fresh food and so should adults. Carbohydrates are best sourced from whole grains and vegetables.
Protein for children is best derived from fish, meat, poultry, dairy and nuts. Beans are also a good source of protein.
Fat is an essential ingredient for children, but there are good and bad fats. There are three types of fat: Unsaturated, saturated and trans fat. Of these, unsaturated fat, like salmon has the most healthful benefits. Trans fats are not natural fats; they are processed and should be limited to very low quantities.
If children are given a wide variety of fresh foods in sufficient quantities, they will consume the right nutrients for a healthy body.
If you have questions about a healthy diet for kids, see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a dietitian. Contact us Today!