Saturday, 18 November 2017

Healthy infant feeding: ideas to improve the nutrition of children

Healthy infant feeding is not synonymous with boring meals for the children of the house. Following some guidelines on quantities and type of food and combining them correctly we can put on the table healthy recipes for attractive and tasty children with which to promote healthy habits and avoid childhood obesity .

A job that starts at home

Childhood is the best time to acquire healthy eating patterns that can last a lifetime. In this way we will not only be giving our children the doses of proteins, hydrates, fats, vitamins or minerals that they need for their normal growth, but we will also be teaching them healthy habits very beneficial for them in the future. On the other hand the healthy habits related to feeding children starting with their own parents, who become model. Some ideas that can help us set in motion other infant feeding habits are:

1.Make healthy decisions about the menus of the whole family and consult the kids about them.
2.Make the most appetizing and attractive foods with condiments and sauces nutritionally enhanced.
3.Search cooking recipes for children in which they can participate.
4.Establish a relatively predictable meal schedule .
5.Try to turn the meal into a positive and pleasant time to talk.
6.Enjoying company can help us set in motion other healthy infant feeding habits.

Address the needs of each child according to their age and development

For example children of 2 or 3 years of age need between 1,000 and 1,400 daily calories of which half must be carbohydrates , between 30-40% of fats and the rest proteins. After four years they need half carbohydrates, a quarter of fat and compensate the diet with more protein. Between 4 and 8 years the contribution should be between 1,200 and 2,000 daily calories.

 Take fruits and vegetables daily

Offering children three or four servings of dairy products a day and giving them two moderate doses of meat or fish will allow us to cover their needs for vitamins, proteins and calcium every day.

Meals with food of all groups

Schedule a diet that includes food from all groups without abusing any of them. One of the bases of child nutrition is balance . There are no bad foods but a frequency of consumption or inadequate quantity.

Do not skip any food

This means promoting complete breakfasts  and healthy snacks with fruits, cereals and dairy as protagonists.

Take care of hydration

Hydration is the key to having a healthy infant diet . It is recommended that children drink enough water and limit the amount of sweet liquids such as sodas, fruit juices and sports drinks. Soft drinks should be reserved for special moments , eliminate those who have caffeine from the children's diet and, at any other time of the day, use water to quench their thirst.

Use olive oil both for cooking and eating raw , betting whole carbohydrates (bread, rice or pasta) and not forgetting potatoes and legumes are other aspects to provide the body with the mineral salts and fiber you need and to convert healthy infant feeding in one more characteristic of our family.

Healthy recipes for children: some ideas

Adapting healthy recipes for the little ones is easier if you play with colors, shapes and presentations . For example you can make homemade hamburgers or chicken nuggets in the shape of a star or heart, or turn a stuffed zucchini into a pirate ship.

You can also use sauces such as mayonnaise and  Kids ketchup , nutritionally enhanced to promote healthy infant feeding (no preservatives, dyes, gluten or lactose, and contain less added sugars and less fat).

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