{"id":1353,"date":"2010-03-08T14:40:26","date_gmt":"2010-03-08T12:40:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/zaparents-blog\/?p=1353"},"modified":"2022-06-08T22:46:09","modified_gmt":"2022-06-08T20:46:09","slug":"all-a-child-needs-is-love-and-a-balanced-nutritious-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/lifestyle\/food-nutrition\/all-a-child-needs-is-love-and-a-balanced-nutritious-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a balanced nutritious diet for kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

We are all into the last school term and your child should has either settled into the school routine \u00a0or is in the process of doing so.<\/p>\n

You can help by ensuring your \u00a0child is getting enough sleep, is not \u00a0stressed out, \u00a0is getting sufficient exercise, and most importantly, is eating a properly balanced meals \u00a0with the essential Vitamins and Minerals needed to stay healthy, energetic and alert?<\/p>\n

Make sure your child gets enough sleep. The \u201cEarly to bed, early to rise\u201d verse is not as clich\u00e9d as you might think. \u00a0A child needs ample sleep in order to concentrate and focus at school.<\/p>\n

But, what about nutrition?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most people lead a fast-paced lifestyle, which can, \u00a0unfortunately, lead to bad eating habits.\u00a0 Sorry mom, but hamburgers and chips, fried chicken or sausages and\u2026errrr\u2026. chips, and pizza (with or without chips) are NOT nutritional meals. Fruit, vegetables, high fibre foods, dairy products, eggs and lean meat and fish are all essential to your child\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n

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Credit: www.realsimple.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

IRON<\/span><\/h2>\n

is essential in the building of healthy brain tissue. Research has shown that increased iron levels lead to better concentration in children. If your child is lethargic, apathetic and irritable (well, more than usual!), his iron levels could be low. \u00a0Lean beef mince, eggs, dried fruits, nuts, whole grains and green leafy veggies (yep, the dreaded spinach!) are excellent sources of natural iron.<\/p>\n

PROTEIN<\/span><\/h2>\n

is essential \u201cbrain food\u201d for children. Your child should be eating small portions of lean meat or fish, eggs, or plant protein such as soya, lentils, tofu and other pulses.<\/p>\n

UNREFINED CARBOHYDRATES <\/span><\/h2>\n

will provide the body with the necessary supply of glucose. Wholewheat bread, oats and brown rice are great examples of \u201cgood carbs\u201d and they will keep your child\u2019s glycaemic index on an even keel and ensure that his blood sugar is kept at optimum level.<\/p>\n

CALCIUM <\/span><\/h2>\n

is vital for the growth of young brains and bones!\u00a0 Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium.<\/p>\n

OMEGA-3<\/span><\/h2>\n

found mainly in salmon, tuna and sardines, is important for optimal brain function in children, and research has shown that it has proven to be an effective alternative to drugs, in the treatment of ADD and ADHD.<\/p>\n

In conclusion, if your child refuses to eat healthy foods, you need to try and re-educate them. Fortunately, there are scientifically tested natural supplements, yummy fruit flavoured vitamins and delicious protein shakes available on the market.<\/p>\n

Note: If you enjoyed this article, and would like to stay updated with more, you can:<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n