Nowadays we are more aware of making the right kind of food and nutrient choices for our kids and family. Children need several nutrients in adequate amounts during their growing years. Vitamins A, B, folic acid, immunonutrients such as Selenium, zinc etc all play a role in the growth of children. Yet most school-aged children don’t meet their daily nutrition intake goals. As a result, not only does their healthy growth slows down, but the immunity system also gets compromised. Let’s change that starting today. We need to focus on repairing and safeguarding the health of our kids from inside.
Vitamin A for healthy skin and normal growth- Vitamin A helps in tissue and repair and also vision. It helps in maintaining healthy and glowing skin. It plays an important role in the normal functioning of vital organs. It also works as an antioxidant.
Vitamin A can be found in lettuce, sweet potatoes, yellow and orange fruits and veggies such as carrots, yellow bell peppers and also dairy products, meat. These can be easily included in your child’s diet with some creativity.
Vitamin B to produce red blood cells- and also offering assistance in metabolic activity. B12 helps in preventing anemia and keeps nerve cells healthy. Folic acid, also one of the B vitamins ensures that the body makes healthy red blood cells.
Vitamin B can be found in fortified cereal, curds, buttermilk, whole grains,soy and other dairy products for vegetarians, red meats, eggs can be included for non-vegetarians.
Protein helps to recover and repair the tissues in the muscles, skin, blood, organs, hair and nails. When the kids don’t get enough protein, it leads to poor concentration, frequent fatigue, slow growth of bones, delayed healings of wounds, and decreased immunity.Moreover, most sources of protein also provide other important nutrients such as vitamin E and B, zinc, magnesium, and iron – making sure every cells of kids body receive its optimum growth. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, sweet potato, oatmeal, corn, lean meat, fish, eggs, soy milk, nuts and seeds, beans, tofu, lentils, grains including bread and pasta etc., are good sources.
Vitamin D helps kids have strong bones and teeth and assists with absorption of minerals such as calcium. Vitamin D is present in the skin but gets activated when we are exposed to sunlight. Hence it is said, a good amount of exposure to sunlight (not too long!) helps get sufficient Vitamin D.
Without Calcium, children can have brittle or soft porous bones. From childhood, consumption of adequate amounts of calcium is crucial for proper development of bones. Dairy products are a high source of calcium and vegetables such as broccoli contain it too, in lesser amounts.
Vitamin C has a key role in healing and fighting infections in the body and strengthening tissues, muscles and skin to avoid further exposure to infections. High sources of vitamin C can be found in all citrus fruits, tomatoes, spinach, etc.
Immunonutrients- A healthy immune system is important to protect children from illnesses. A deficiency in zinc can lead to stunted growth and weakened immune system. Selenium plays an important role in the health of immune system and generating an enhanced immune response. These are powerful antioxidants, although needed in small amounts, are highly important. Peas, potatoes, all legumes, seeds such as pumpkin and flax seeds, contain sufficient amounts of these nutrients.
External factors have a big role to play to ensure the child reaches his or her optimum growth. Making sure the kids eat a balanced diet every day and get adequate exercise help their healthy growth. And that is how good nutrition helps your child in becoming tall and strong. It happens with our food intake. Like they say, a plate should have all colours!
But what if your kid is a picky eater or has certain food allergies?
We know how difficult it gets to add some of the above listed nutrition sources in the little ones’ daily diet. Sometimes they just don’t like the smell of milk, vegetables might be too boring, pumpkin and flax seeds may not taste good or the pasta might be good only if there is too much processed cheese on top – the list is endless. In such cases they move on to unhealthy, high on sugar snacks that lead to not just obesity but also a poor overall health.
In such cases, supplementing with PediaSure is a great solution. It contains 37 vital nutrients all needed for a child’s growth including high-quality protein in adequate quantities. Two servings of PediaSure every day in addition to wholesome meals ensures that children get the daily dose of nutrition they need. If you are one of us – the moms who find it hard getting enough food on the plate because of kids’ food allergies or tantrums – then join the 90 days program to make sure your child gets the optimum growth and immunity. In the 12 weeks mailer program you will get professional nutritional counseling and lots of recipes that will be customized for your child’s needs, along with discount coupons and testimonials.
It’s time to fill the gap in our children’s diet to make them ready for the world with strong health and mind. And meeting daily nutrition intake goal is the first step towards achieving that.
The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the author. They do not reflect the views of any brand. Any omissions or errors at the author’s end does not assume any liability or responsibility on any party mentioned in the blog.
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