Making children eat healthy food is quite a task for all mothers. With the rising popularity of food chains that offer burgers, pizzas and other forms of junk foods, kids are getting addicted to wrong foods and are become obese and unhealthy each day. However, mothers must understand that the trick lies in giving them what they want, while at the same time ensuring that their health and nutrition is not suffered. Try and inculcate healthy eating habits from a young age itself to avoid health issues later. Here are some foods that are important for your kids.
Beans
1. Beans
Beans are full of fiber, proteins and carbs, and are therefore an ideal food to feed your kids. You can make salads with beans alone, or mix them with any other vegetables, fruits and nuts and make a colorful and appealing salad or dish. That will keep your children jumping whole day long without any sign of fatigue!
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2. Cheese
Cheese has all the goodness of milk, and comprises fats and proteins. Most children love it in any form - soft, hard or mixed in foods in the form of burgers, rolls or sandwiches that just melt in their mouth. However, ensure that the portion sizes are small to avoid obesity due to the fat content.
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3. Nuts
Nuts are great energy boosters. It is hardly a surprise then that nuts are found in all kinds of cereals that go with milk, and are best when had in the mornings to begin your day. Almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, and even peanuts are great energy boosters that satisfy hunger pangs and give energy at any time of the day.
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4. Whole grains
Whole grains like wheat, oatmeal and brown rice are healthy options for kids as compared to white rice and pastas. Multigrain flour, breads and quinoa pasta are easily available in the market, and allow you to feed your children healthier varieties of foods that are otherwise considered fast foods and disastrous for health.
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5. Yogurt
Yogurt has healthy bacteria that do wonders to the growing and developing bodies of children. Low-fat yogurt can be consumed plain or mixed with fruits and vegetables to make mouth-licking recipes that leave children asking for more.
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Eggs
6. Eggs
Eggs contain protein for healthy bodies and DHA for developing a healthy brain. Egg whites leave the skin and hair healthy and glowing. Growing children must consume eggs on a regular basis.
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Dark Chocolate
7. Dark Chocolate
Yes, you read that right. Dark chocolate has proteins and is essential for a healthy body in any form. It is a great energy-booster and mood-lifter, and is a favorite with the kids. Just don’t confuse it with regular chocolate, which has more fat than anything else. And again, be careful with the portion sizes.
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8. Tuna
Tuna fish has the proteins required for maintaining healthy bodies. It can be consumed in sandwiches and other mouth-watering recipes. It is good for kids in their developmental years.
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Milk
9. Milk
Milk, also called a wholesome food, is an all-time favorite of the mothers when it comes to giving nutrition to their kids. Cow’s milk is excellent for infants’ brains. It contains calcium, and is good for bones of people of all groups – be it teenagers, toddlers or the aged, all of whom religiously have it to keep them going. No wonder, mothers will never stop harping about it, and will always find innovative means to feed it to their children!
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Avocado
10. Avocado
It is full of mono-saturated fats that kids need on a regular basis for healthy growth and development. It is best served in the form of dips or spreads that can be used in sandwiches, rolls and crepes.
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While it’s understandable that each child has certain likes or dislikes, these foods must be included in their diet in different ways in order to fulfill their nutritional requirements. The trick lies in making these foods tastier by making them a part of interesting recipes that kids can relish. So if your child doesn’t like regular milk, add chocolate or strawberry flavor to it, or give him milk shakes instead. If he doesn’t like to eat nuts, then crush them and make them part of brownies or cakes. Look for interesting and unique ways in which you can add these essential foods to their diet somehow.
