Nutrition refers to everything that your child eats and drinks. Your child's body uses
nutrients from food to function properly and stay healthy. Nutrients include carbohydrates,
proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The right amount of nutrients gives children energy to
grow, learn and be active.
A healthy nutritional diet is a very important part of a growing child and we as adults should
encourage healthy eating habits; by doing so, you are giving your child important tools for a
lifetime of healthy living. The following are some ways you can help your child:
Offer healthy food options at home.
Be sure to have healthy, appealing food options for your family. Provide a variety of choices
so your child can try different things. Always be persistent in your efforts to introduce
healthy food options, children are not always open to new things right away.
Tips to support a good nutritional diet, can be:
- Offer several fruits and vegetables options every day
- Provide healthy sources of protein such as, milk, fish, eggs, nuts, lentils, etc.
- Boil, grill, or steam food instead of fried food.
- Encourage drinking plenty of water and milk instead of sugar added drinks.
Proper nutrition and regular physical activity are the keys to maintaining a healthy weight
and preventing health problems. Encourage children to find physical activities he/she enjoys
getting more active. At least one hour of active play a day is vital for young children.
Limit the child's time in using TV, computers, cell phones and other gadgets.
As a parent or caregiver, we play a big role in child's life. They will follow our example, so it's
important for us to be a good role model when it comes to making healthy choices. Even
small changes in your family's eating habits and physical activity can have a big impact on
your child's health.
