Eating Wise

EATING WISE

Some Food facts to keep in mind

when setting healthy food habits for your toddler

In planning your child’s diet, the basic nutritional needs have to be met. This is important for normal growth. All foods offer something by the way of nutrition. Therefore there is some good in all foods. The secret of success in a good diet lies in moderation. Keep in mind the following to set healthy eating practices-

· Regularize meal timings for your toddler. Offer them at a scheduled time everyday.

· Children seem to be born with a sweet tooth, do not encourage this existing fondness for all things sweet.

· Introduce and give a variety of foods to make it interesting for the child.

· If the child is overnight and is past two years of age, gradually substitute whole milk with skimmed milk.

· Practice what you preach! Don’t say no more chips to him and eat them yourself. Not only is it setting a bad example, it can also probably be categorized as cruelty to children.

· If the child seems to enjoy only junk food, prepare these also in a healthy way. Take brown bread, arrange mashed peas or boiled chicken along with a little cheese on top and grill it. Serve with a dot of ketchup.

· Always check with the nutritionist and pediatrician before putting the child on any kind of diet.

Healthy Food Habits

· Encourage snacking of fruits instead of unhealthy snacking.

· If the child tends to overeat at meal times, give small pieces of carrot or cucumber just before the meal to cut down on the quantity of the main meal.

· Yoghurt has been advocated for children and adults alike.

Include it in your child’s daily diet.

· Sprouted gram is a healthy option for a meal along with yoghurt and a vegetable salad.

· Regularize meal timing.