10 Tips to Keep in Mind for Healthy Baby Feeding

Nutrition is important for children to grow and stay healthy. But, it can be challenging to find the time and energy to plan wholesome meals when you’re juggling work, school and other responsibilities. If you’re looking for ways to help your child develop a healthier relationship with food, read on for some helpful tips. By learning about nutrition early on, your child will be better equipped to make good food choices as they get older. Let’s take a look at some useful tips that can help you give your child proper nutrition:

Talk to your child about nutrition

Research shows that kids who are given information about healthy eating are more likely to make healthy food choices. So, the earlier you begin talking to your child about proper nutrition, the better. Help your child understand how different foods are beneficial in different ways. For example, certain foods are high in protein and help us to grow big and strong. Other foods are high in vitamins and minerals, which help our bodies stay healthy. As your child gets older, you can also explain how certain foods are high in sugar or fat and don’t provide much nutritional value. It’s also helpful to teach your child about eating a balanced diet. A balanced diet includes all of the different types of food groups, like vegetables, protein, whole grains, dairy and fruit.

Start with breakfast

Kids need to start the day off right with a healthy breakfast. It’s a great time to pack in some powerful nutrients and help your child learn about nutrition. Choose items from each food group to build a healthy breakfast. Good choices include whole grain cereal, milk and fruit, along with eggs and vegetables. Kids between the ages of 9 and 13 should aim for at least 1,300 calories per day and teens should aim for at least 1,600.

Serve veggies and protein at every meal

It’s never too early to start getting your child used to eating veggies. Serving your child vegetables at every meal is a great way to help them get the nutrients they need. It’s also important to serve your child protein at every meal. Protein is essential to growth and development, as well as general health. Good sources of protein include beans, eggs, low-fat dairy products, legumes, nuts, seeds and fish.

Don't forget dessert!

Sure, desserts are often the last thing you want to give your child, but they are a necessary part of a healthy diet. Desserts that are high in sugar are something to be avoided when possible. But, desserts that contain high-quality ingredients like dark chocolate, nuts or fruit are okay in moderation. Kids between the ages of 9 and 13 should aim for at least 1,300 calories per day, and teens should aim for at least 1,600.

Let your child help in the kitchen

As your child gets older, let them help you in the kitchen. Not only will this encourage them to eat healthier, but they’ll also gain valuable skills that they can carry throughout their lives. Kids can help with tasks like chopping vegetables, stirring ingredients or measuring out particles. Letting your child help in the kitchen can help foster an appreciation for healthy eating and cooking. You can also use this time to teach your child about nutrition and encourage them to try new foods.

Serve up healthy lunches and dinners as well

Lunches and dinners often get more attention than breakfasts. Plus, because you might have to cook for more people, you may feel like you have less time to prepare healthier meals. That’s why it’s important to focus on healthy lunches and dinners as well. Choose ingredients that will provide plenty of nutrients, but keep in mind that kids need fewer calories than adults. So, when you’re deciding on portions, it’s a good idea to keep kids’ calorie needs in mind. Here are some sample menus that are rich in nutrients: - Brown Rice and Lentil Salad with Lentils, Kidney Beans, Spinach, Raisins, Apple and Mint - Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich with Apples and Carrot Sticks - Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Carrots, Apple and Oatmeal with Almonds - Pasta with Broccoli, Carrots and Beans - Fish with Green Beans and Sweet Potatoes

Help your child build a healthy relationship with food

As your child grows, it’s important to help them develop a healthy relationship with food. Though this is something that will happen naturally as your child grows, there are ways to encourage it. Let your child eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full. This will help them learn about their body and what it needs. It’s also a good idea to encourage your child to try new foods. You can do this by not making a big deal out of new foods. Let your child know that you don’t expect them to like everything they try. That way, they won’t feel as pressured. Kids between the ages of 9 and 13 should aim for at least 1,300 calories per day, and teens should aim for at least 1,600.

Conclusion

As your child grows, they’ll begin to understand the importance of eating healthy. They’ll also start to develop a preference for certain types of foods. This is normal. And, it will help your child find a diet that works for them. There are a lot of ways you can help your child develop a healthier relationship with food. Start by talking to your child about nutrition. Start the day off right with a healthy breakfast. Serve veggies and protein at every meal, don't forget the dessert and let your child help in the kitchen. Serve up healthy lunches and dinners as well. And, help your child build a healthy relationship with food. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to helping your child develop a healthier relationship with food.