One of the biggest struggles that most parents face is trying to ensure their children are eating properly. This is no mean feat as kids seem to have an affinity for unhealthy foods more than anything. Considering they are in the key stages of their development during childhood, it needs to be every parents’ priority to provide them with enough energy and nutrition to keep them going as they grow. But how exactly can one achieve this?
Well, to help our readers with this predicament, we’re going to be imparting our top tips and tricks for ensuring your children are eating properly in our article today.
Start with Breakfast
We can tell you’re rolling your eyes already, but there is no denying the fact that breakfast is an incredibly important part of the day. Your children simply won’t make it to lunch without a proper meal to energise them. However, many parents struggle to get their children to eat breakfast because kids often complain that they don’t like any of the food. To overcome this problem, parents should take the time to work with their children and find the morning meals that they do like. Experiment with foods like jam on toast and fruit or crumpets and breakfast cereal.
It’s important to avoid anything too sugary and focus on slow-releasing carbs, which food like low GI breakfast cereals, smoothies and yoghurt can provide. For those worried about the shopping bills entailed, don’t worry. You can save on breakfast cereals and other meals by using discount food suppliers.
Providing Snacks
Despite common belief as a result of dietary myths, snacking is a necessity. People are supposed to eat several times a day, as opposed to having two or three huge meals. It makes sense as well. By giving your children snacks to consume between breakfast and lunch, then lunch and dinner, they can have a consistent source of energy for their bodies. This prevents them from having mid-morning or mid-afternoon slumps. But what snacks are good for children? Well, superfoods like raspberries or blueberries are ideal. Not only do the kids enjoy eating them, but they’re full of nutrients for healthy growth. Blueberries are also proven to improve learning and memory, which is perfect for when they’re at school.
There’s nothing wrong with the occasional chocolate bar, bag of crisps or cheese string, either. It’s all about balance. If you are too extreme and restrictive, this could lead to your kids rebelling or developing a problematic relationship with food.
Plenty of Fluids
Your children need to drink plenty of fluids to ensure their heart, brain and muscles are all working at full capacity. Otherwise, they might become dehydrated and fatigued. Unfortunately, many children simply dislike drinking water. Sometimes, buying them a bottle which marks how much they’ve drunk in a day can help encourage them, but other times parents must rely on flavoured drinks. Of course, you should avoid fizzy drinks. Not only are these bad for your children’s teeth but provide a sugar rush which leads to a crash. Instead, supply them with things like smoothies, which are tasty and nutritious. Diluted squash is also good at encouraging your kids to drink. Don’t make the mistake of supplying them with loads of shop-bought fruit juice, though. Despite seeming like a good way to keep children hydrated and provide them with one of their five-a-day, fruit juice is bad for teeth and blood-sugar levels.
Fruit and Vegetables
Wherever you can, you should bring fruit and vegetables into your children’s diets. There is no better way to ensure they’re eating healthily and receiving the proper nutrients they need to grow. Like we said before, fruit is perfect for snacking and breakfast foods. However, vegetables are a little more difficult. As such, we recommend chopping them into tiny chunks and mixing them into sauces or soups. Don’t just serve them plain. Try seasoning them or lightly adding butter. The more your children come accustomed to the taste of vegetables, the more they will grow to like them.
Balance
Like we mentioned before, balance is one of the most important factors when it comes to powering your children through the day. Integrate all the food groups into their daily meals, from protein and carbohydrates to dairy and fats or sugars. Don’t force your children to eat anything they don’t like – instead, find an alternative from the food group that they do enjoy. Be realistic and make sure you still allow them sugary and savoury snacks. By working with your children to find the right balance, they will be much happier and healthier for it.
We hope you have found this article useful. Keep your children going throughout the day, even as they grow, by following these tips and tricks.
