Ms. Anne’s Tip of the Week: Nutrition in Young Children

Nutrition in young children:

Good nutrition is important for people of all ages but it is especially important for children. Children need good nutrition for proper growth and development and it is important to eat a variety of foods to consume the necessary nutrients each day.

MyPlate is an image that illustrates nutritious eating practices. For more information you can visit: www.myplate.gov. A nutritious meal includes: Grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy and proteins.

The benefits of healthy eating:

  • Stable energy
  • Strong bones and teeth
  • Improve mental health
  • Maintain a healthy eight
  • Prevent chronic diseases

Sometimes it can be difficult to have children try new foods. Even if our child doesn’t try or like a food the first time, you serve it, continue to offer the foods in future meals or snacks. Some kids need to be exposed to a food 8-15 times before they decide to eat it.

Children look up to adults, so one way to create healthy eating habits is to model healthy eating. Shop and cook with your kids. Get them excited about what they’re eating. Children strive to be independent, for older children have them serve their own plate of food. Let them have options.

Make healthy food accessible. Instead of storing healthy snacks on the top shelf of the fridge, consider making a mini “snack station” on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Ideas for healthy snacks include :String cheese, boiled eggs, pre-cut veggies, fresh fruit and yogurt packs.

With these few ideas on healthy eating, you can help your child grow and thrive!