A balanced diet for kids consists of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals and also meets the daily caloric needs of the body.
Balanced Diet
A healthy diet helps children grow and learn. A balanced diet is a diet plan in which all the essential food groups are present. Because the word suggests, this diet is one thing that has a little of everything. This diet becomes important, especially for kids, since it provides the essential nutrition which is important for not just the growth and development of the body, but also for mental and psychological development, and overall health.
A healthy meal plan has enough nutrients for children to develop well and be healthy. The amount of nutrients your child needs depends upon his age and his exercise level. A healthy meal plan limits unhealthy foods that are high in fat and sugar. It will help your child stay at a healthy weight and prevent certain health problems later in life. These health problems include diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Calcium
Calcium is essential for strong, healthy bones and teeth. Good sources of calcium include dairy products (milk, yoghurt and cheese), green leafy vegetables and bony fish.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is definitely an essential part of a balanced diet for children because it helps the body to soak up calcium. Calcium is important for maintaining healthy bones and prevent them from degeneration. The primary source of Vitamin D is sunlight. So ensure that your kid is getting his daily jaunt within the sun. Other than that, eggs, certain cereals, and some fish will also be recommended.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports little immune systems and it is needed to form collagen, which is essential for that development of healthy bones, gums and blood vessels. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits (lemons, limes and grapefruit), strawberries and broccoli.
Vitamin A
Probably the most important function of vitamin A is to produce a pigment within the eye which helps one see. Additionally, it helps in maintaining healthy teeth and skin, and has antioxidants. This is found in meat, milk, eggs, cheese, cod, vegetables, and carrots.
B Vitamins
B vitamins interact to help the body convert the food we eat into energy and supply the support kids need to stay active. Good sources of B vitamins include whole grains, poultry and eggs.
Iodine
Iodine is a mineral necessary for normal brain development, concentration and learning ability, which makes it crucial to support young brainiacs. Good sources of iodine include seafood and fortified bread.
Iron
Iron is important for that production of hemoglobin in the body. This red pigment is responsible for providing energy to the body and allowing your kid to get familiar with strenuous activity. Iron is found abundantly in dark, leafy vegetables, beans, meat, fish, lentils, pumpkin seeds, apricots, and wholegrain.
Balanced Diet for Kids
Zinc
Zinc is needed for normal growth and development in infants and supports healthy immune function in kids. Good sources of zinc include seafood, meat and beans.
Fiber
A high fiber diet is important to maintain a healthy digestive system since it helps in promoting regular bowel movements. It also serves as a diuretic and dispels all the excess water and waste in the body.