Proper Nutrition for Kids is Paramount

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With video games, TV, computers, poor meal choices and the internet, children are facing a health crisis of their own. Children on a whole are less healthy than they used to be in times past. Diabetes–thought to be a mainly adult disease in the past—has been on the rise among children. An obese child usually translates into an obese adult, which can lead to all sorts of health problems in the future, such as high blood pressure and an increased chance of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.

With this in mind, eFitness for Life has put together a top ten list of nutritional tips and healthy eating guidelines for children:

1. Set a good example and keep your child active. Children learn by example, and if their parent is healthy and active, chances are they are too. Make activity fun for your child, and enroll them in as many sporting activities as you can afford.
2. Make sure your child eats breakfast. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day and a necessity for a real balanced healthy diet. It will give them the fuel they need throughout the day. Make sure you guide them towards making healthy breakfast choices, such as oatmeal or whole grain cereals.
3. Keep your child hydrated, especially if it’s hot outside or they’re engaged in a sporting activity.
4. Make sure your child gets enough protein and carbohydrates in their diets. Foods that are good sources of protein and carbohydrates include fish, poultry, meat, cheese, milk, beans or legumes.
5. Provide healthy nutritious snack foods after exercise. Instead of handing them a chocolate bar, hand them a piece of fruit instead.
6. Provide variety in their diet. If your child is eating the same things day after day, chances are that they’re missing out on some nutritional building blocks. Besides that, they will get bored with their diet. Instead, have them help you choose meals that are healthy for the entire family. This will help them make better choices in the future.
7. Work with a nutrition coach, dietitian or a nutritionist. They can help a great deal when it comes to healthy meal planning for you and your growing child.
8. Try to make home cooked meals as opposed to eating out. Fast food is generally not a good way to instill good eating habits in your child. Budget meal planning does NOT include eating out every night either. Just an FYI, in case saving money is a goal as well.
9. Throw out the soda and limit the juices. Soda is jam packed with calories and juices are typically full of sugars. Instead, give them water. Lots of water!
10. Teach your child about proper portion sizes. Most people eat way too much food at each meal, which contributes to massive weight gain in both adults and children.

Proper nutrition and a healthy diet plan is important for both children and adults. Together you can make your house a healthier environment, where everyone can reap the benefits. Don’t allow poor nutrition and inactivity to ruin your child’s health. Together we can make a difference that will last a lifetime.

Drop us an email if you need some help or have some questions!

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