Kids have a lot on their plate and most of it is not food! After all, childhood is a stage when there is rapid mental and physical development. Their bones grow, primary teeth make way for permanent pearly whites, and then, of course, they get into schools, thus paving the way for more emotional and cognitive development. Once they are admitted into schools, they start having hectic schedules. They need to wake up early, pay attention to what is being taught as well as, find time to play with friends. At the same time, they get enrolled in extra-curricular activities and have a lot of homework which needs to be completed before class.
So yes, they have a lot to do!
To get them up and running, they need a proper night’s rest, adequate water and a balanced diet. All this is very important as these factors invariably influence their mental and physical development. The food they eat gives them the energy to carry out all the tasks they need to get done like a pro! That is why parents should pay attention to whether their children are getting enough nutrients at this critical stage of growth.
Nutrition Therapy for Children
Children need vitamins, minerals, proteins and other nutrients for a healthy mind and body. If their bodies do not receive the nutrients they need, they might feel exhausted or suffer from a wide range of illnesses from time to time. Proper nutrition ensures that their immune system is strong enough to fight off diseases. At the same time, keeping an eye on their diet also helps to check obesity which is widely prevalent in the U.S.
Adequate nutrition is of utmost importance especially during the years between infancy and adolescence. Your child should be fed healthy amounts of dairy, vegetables, fruits, and grains during this time so that he/she gets used to eating healthy food. In fact, parents should ensure that they limit the intake of processed, sugar-filled food items and encourage kids to opt for healthy snacks instead. Making eating fruits and vegetables a family routine and habit will make them warm up to fruits as well. Such small changes will ensure that the children don’t suffer from heart problems, obesity or hypertension years down the line.
Dietary counselling is available and is based on the child’s preferences, food allergies, existing conditions and the nutritional content of the food items while keeping the staple food items of the home in mind.