There are a lot of things that parents need to know when it comes to keeping their young children healthy and happy. Most people having a startling lack of knowledge where nutrition is concerned, and it’s particularly crucial for parents to know what to feed their kids. The more you learn about childhood nutrition, the easier it will be for you ensure that your child grows up to be healthy and strong. Nutrition is especially important when a child is very young.
Vitamins and Minerals
You will find that vitamins and minerals are the foundation of childhood nutrition. You will need to make sure that your child gets all of the vitamins they need on a regular basis. Vitamin A is extremely important, as it plays an essential role in healthy growth and development. Vitamin C acts as a strong antioxidant to promote a strong immune system. Very young children naturally have weaker immune systems than older kids or adults, which is why they need this vitamin and others so badly.
Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are another important part of childhood nutrition as they are partially responsible for promoting healthy and normal brain function. School-age children are the ones who really need omega-3s, so you will need to keep that in mind. There are many different foods that are loaded with these healthy fatty acids, including certain fish, dark leafy greens, and flaxseed.
Drink Calories
People often neglect to factor in all of the calories they consume in liquid form, and you must also do this for your child. You will want to pay close attention to how many calories your child is consuming in the way of drinks as well as solid foods. Too much sugary juice every day can really add up after a while, so it’s all about moderation.
Snacks
There is absolutely nothing wrong with giving your child the occasional snack between meals, but you will only want to give them healthy foods like slices of fruits or vegetables. You should be able to find lots of foods that can make for a healthy but tasty snack to tide them over until the next meal.
Teenagers
If you have a teenager in the house, you will need to make sure that they get lots of vitamin C, iron and calcium. Your child is still growing, and the calcium will keep their bones strong. The teenage years can be quite hectic for everyone involved, but it’s imperative that you keep them on a healthy diet. Teenagers who are particularly active might benefit from taking a nutrient supplement of some kind so they get what their body needs to stay healthy as a whole.
Every parent should be constantly striving to learn more about childhood nutrition for the benefit of their kids. When you take the time to get this information, you will make yourself a better parent. The food that your child eats or doesn’t eat can have a dramatic effect on their development.
