Importance of nutrition in your child’s diet 

Parents must generate eating habits in their children from the early stages. And for that, eating a balanced meal is extremely important to fulfil their dietary requirements.

Significance of a balanced diet

A balanced diet meal consists of the following:

It provides the daily calorie requirements that a body needs to stay healthy and active. Children aged 2-6 years require 1100-1400 calories daily to maintain their growth.

Food should include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins & minerals.

Carbohydrates- cereals

Proteins- milk, eggs, meat, legumes

Vitamins & minerals- fruits & vegetables.

From the toddler age, children must learn to consume calories from nutritious food, not junk food. Children’s appetite depends upon their age, growth, and the activities they are involved in. The portion size of their meals must be decided accordingly and should be neither less nor more. Initially, start by giving small portions of meals to your children.

Benefits of Balanced Diet Chart for Kids

A healthy meal plan is essential for your child's growth and development. A balanced diet for kids based on nutrient-rich foods can boost physical and mental health while helping your kid feel energised and stay in a positive mood.

Other benefits of nutritious food for kids are:

Normal Development

When your kid is growing, nutritious foods for kids can help ensure normal development. Most children can meet their needs for these nutrients from food.

A Healthy Body Weight

A balanced diet along with physical activity makes it easier for your kid to stay within their suggested weight ranges. Make nutritious foods available, seek fun ways to combine them into meals and snacks, and make healthy food recipes for kids.

Stronger Immune Function

Foods rich in immunity nutrients like Vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc should be included in their diet. This helps strengthen their immunity. Pediasure contains these immunity nutrients which can support your kid's immunity.

Importance of exercise

Along with a balanced nutritional diet, children must be encouraged to exercise daily. 

So, if you do not want your child to be lazy and ignore their health, engage your children in exercise, yoga, meditation, etc., from a younger age. This will help them get into a habit of it.  

Nutritional food ideas

• Fruits – Fruits are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. It must be included in your child’s everyday meals. As the doctor says, “An apple a day keeps a doctor away.” But remember, fruits should not be consumed at night.
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  Encourage your child to eat fresh fruits. Also, avoid foods, your child is allergic to. If your child is not interested in eating fruits, you can also give full juices or make juice from the fresh fruits at home and give it to them. Presentation is what attracts children. So, make the platter of fruits or a glass of juice presentable and attractive.

• Vegetables – Vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially green leafy vegetables like spinach, peas, beans, etc.
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  Please do not give the same coloured vegetables to them all the time. Make it more presentable, which will be pleasing to their eyes. It would help if you made the plate look interesting. Only then will your child enjoy the meal. For example, you can give matar-paneer, methi aloo, and moong dal. This way, you can add more colours to the plate. If they don’t like a particular vegetable, try to give it a different form the next day.

  Also, inculcate the habit of eating salad along with meals.

• Protein – Consuming protein-rich food makes the body more energetic and healthier. Examples include eggs, meat, soybean, fish, cottage cheese, lentils, almonds, milk, peanuts, oats, etc.
• Grains – Add whole grains to your child’s meal. Like brown bread, rice, oatmeal, moong dal, popcorn, etc.
• Dairy – Dairy products are a rich source of calcium. Encourage your child to consume dairy products like milk, cottage cheese, curd, etc.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in the above Blog are the independent views of the blogger / author based on his/her experience on child growth and development. It is not intended to represent Abbott’s viewpoint on the matter or to promote Abbott’s products. Nothing in this content should be construed as Abbott giving medical advice or making a recommendation, endorsement of any kind, nor does it seek to replace medical opinion or independent professional/ clinical judgement.