When you have a child below eight years of age, it's quite
common to discover that there are some foods and beverages that they would love
to eat — or at least, wouldn't mind eating — while there are others that they
simply refuse to even taste, let alone swallow.
At their young age, children can be easily exposed to a wide
variety of meals, snacks and drinks that are high in sugar and artificial
flavorings. Pay close attention to foods being marketed to children — from
those in the commercials frequently shown on TV in between cartoons and other
kids' programs, to the products you see on supermarket shelves — and you'll
immediately see that there are so many food items that can appeal to children
simply because they are sweet and colorful, or can come in fun shapes.
Is this a bad thing?
When children get used to consuming foods laden with sugar,
artificial flavorings, and other highly processed ingredients, they can become
reluctant to eat foods that are actually good for them. Lean meats, fresh
fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and healthy fats contain all the
nutrients children need, but they will appear bland and boring compared to
their sweet or salty snack foods. As a result, kids lose out on the vitamins,
minerals and other nutrients they need to grow strong, smart and healthy.
What parents can do
The best thing for parents to do is to encourage their
children to eat the right foods. They can do this by making sure to offer a
variety of healthful foods at each meal so that the kids can look forward to
something exciting and delicious every time. Talking to children about how each
food is good for them can help them understand why such foods must be included
in a balanced diet.
Another thing to do is to teach children to drink plenty of
water rather than sodas, fruit juices, or beverages with caffeine. Water can
always be made more flavorful if you add slices of fruits and veggies.
Finally, you can add a complete pediatric formula to a
child's diet. These drinks contain a special blend of proteins, carbohydrates,
vitamins and minerals, along with probiotics and prebiotics to help ensure a
child's proper nutrition. A formula like this would be gluten- and
lactose-free, and they come in delicious flavors like strawberry, vanilla,
chocolate and honey that kids will be sure to love.
Source: https://pediasurearabia.com/sa/en offers different tips and facts for ensuring
your children’s health.
