Parents want their children to grow healthy, to grow happy, and overall to be good citizens of the world.
Only by leaving something really good behind us, we can say that we have lived, and people who are blessed enough to have children know this too well. Still, raising a child is such a challenging task.
You have to raise them to be independent in a busy world full of challenges, to nurture their mind and curiosity, while helping them to be healthy at the same time.
Every parent knows that healthy and happy life starts with proper nutrition.
Proper Nutrition
Providing good nutrition to children nowadays is super challenging. Fast food joints are on each corner, delivery apps are everywhere, and on top of everything it seems that delicious, but still unhealthy fast food has never been more affordable. Like, for a small amount you can get a huge pizza – should that even be an option?
We all know that humans, including children of course, thrive on foods that’s rich in varieties – therefore, to survive we need foods that are rich in diversity, including fresh food such as fruit and vegetables.
Children go a long way from being babies to becoming full adults, and along the way their diet changes – in fact it evolves from mandatory meals, over kids yogurt drinks, to meals based on fat and dairy products; there is no bad foods as long as there is moderation in it.
Plus, some foods, like drinkable yogurt, are a must when you have children: these are easy to store, easy to pack, and delicious with proper nutritional values – who wouldn’t love them?
Still, many fight everyday battles with their children to get them to eat, especially new flavours.
Here are some ideas on how you can achieve this and help your child eat healthier.
Educate
Start with yourself. Educate yourself more on the topic, and then discuss healthier options with your children. See what they would love to eat, and then think how you could make it healthier. Experiment with texture, taste and smell.
Develop good habits
Children learn from an early age, and what they learn at that period will most likely stick with them. Create a routine and celebrate food and meals. Engage them in the adventure of trying different foods.
Be patient
This may be easier said than done, but it’s one of the most crucial steps to anything children-related. If your child hates the food you introduce, try it again a few days later. Some food and child experts claim that it can take 10 or more times before they enjoy it. Or never.
Guide them
Just like with anything else, children need structure and clean guidance. They don’t need pressure, so don’t pressure them to eat that broccoli, but rather educate them on why it’s healthy and how it can help them grow.
Schedule meals and snacks
This may sound unusual, but structure and routine – and even rules, go well with children. They need to eat every three to four hours: they need three meals, two snacks, and lots of fluids. Plan well, to keep a child’s diet balanced – a food routine will make them less cranky.
