Kids are known to be the fussy eaters, its difficult to make them eat what is healthy and will help them stay active is a difficult task altogether. Children often develop a natural preference for the food they enjoy eating the most. So, the challenge is to make healthy choices appealing. You need to make healthy food which excites the kids and they have a desire to eat. It’s difficult for parents to feed the child with healthy food as kids are more into unhealthy options.
The body requirements of children vary according to different age groups. Young children are attracted to various shapes, sizes, and bright colors. The chocolate pudding, cheese-loaded fries or cheese burst pizza are the option which is kids favorite. But they never pick healthy options like chapati or green vegetables in their choice. As parents force kids to eat such things but they can invent a new recipe with some healthy ingredients. It is important for parents to know what are healthy food items which they can serve their kids to eat.
Kids have many healthy food items that they like and they enjoy their meal. Healthy food does not have merely one but numerous benefits. Healthy food does not only impact a kid’s physical health but mental health too. When they intake healthy fruits and vegetables that are full of nutrients, it reduces the chances of diseases. I know its difficult to appeal to the kids but some food options which kids will love and can easily add to their healthy diet.
You can add a variety of food options to a kids plate. Eating a variety of foods keeps our meals interesting and flavorful. It’s also the key to a healthy and balanced diet because each food has a unique mix of nutrients—both macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein, and fat) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
To test your child cognitive abilities and help young minds to increase their capacity to retain information. You can do the All India Memory Test of your child.
There are few healthy food options that you can add to your kid’s plate in their daily routine diet and they can’t say no to it. It is healthy and tasty.
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Healthy Food Items
Yogurt
A yogurt is a wonderful option for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. It’s a healthy, filling snack that is filled with protein, vitamin D, and a nutrient many kids lack in their diet.” Yogurt also delivers probiotics, good bacteria that are important for maintaining a healthy gut. You can have a variety of flavored yogurt options which also excites their taste buds.
Tofu
It is a great option for kids it is served in numerous ways like curry, creamy smoothies, or ice creams. It is one of the healthy food items that have many options available for kids. Tofu is a good source of essential nutrients required in kids for their optimum growth and bone health. It is filled with B vitamins, protein, iron, and calcium.
Eggs
One egg has 6 grams of protein and vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron. Eggs are the best breakfast for kids to start their day. You can make different breakfasts for kids with eggs and give you kids a healthy start. It is a great starter food for babies. It consists of all the nutrients that kids need to start the day.
Mango
It is one of the loved fruit which is enjoyed by every age group. It is a rich source of vitamin C and fiber and highly beneficial for the kids as it strengthens their immunity and helps to keep their gums and teeth healthy. To add to the list of fun and nutritional delicacies for your kids, you can also serve mango in the form of smoothie or pudding.
Milk
It is known as a complete food for infants as it is an essential food that is needed to be in the kid’s diet chart. It helps to build strong bones because it’s full of calcium and vitamin D. Try to use cow milk for kids as it consists of less fat and more nutrients. You can serve milk to them in various forms which can be enjoyed by kids and make in demand.
Berries
Berries are good snacking options for your kids. Blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are also lower in sugar than many fruits. It has fiber and is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants like anthocyanins. Fresh berries make an excellent snack for kids or a great topping for yogurt. It adds a nice flavor and color to the plate.
How To Encourage Healthy Eating Habits In Your Kids?
Focus On Overall Diet
Apart from focusing on some specific food ingredients, it is advisable that you add more wholesome food and less processed or packaged food to your child’s diet. Processed and packaged food are unhealthy options for the child, as they contain excess sugar and fat content. Focus on all day eating habits that what they are eating.
Have A Family Meal
Eat together, as they see more options on the table and they must try a few more things. Kids enjoy the food with everyone as they were not focused on a single food. Usually, kids want to try those food items which are on the other plate so they get more healthy options to eat. It is known that family meals are a powerful thing.
Cook More Meals At Home
Make it a point to cook healthy Indian food for your kid, rather than opting for takeaway food from hotels. Many of the food items that you have outside contain an uncertain amount of oil and fat, which can be detrimental to your kid. The dishes you prepare at home are healthiest for your growing child and will help to keep him hale and hearty.
Delight Kids With Dips
Diving vegetables and fruits into yummy dips make lunch more fun. Offer apple slices with yogurt or peanut butter; serve carrot sticks with a side of hummus and cucumber spears with ranch.
Make Healthy Snacks
Keep plenty of fruit, vegetables, and healthy beverages (water, milk, pure fruit juice) on hand so kids avoid unhealthy snacks like soda, chips, and cookies. Avoid eating deep-fried snacks go for healthy baked snacks. Ignore all-purpose flour biscuits use ragi and oats.
Get Kids Involved
Kids often love to help you out in the kitchen, and you get to spend more quality time together. Involve them in grocery shopping. You can teach them about different foods and how to read food labels. You can keep them engaged and educate them about healthy recipes at the same time.
