It’s undeniably important to provide growing kids with the right food so that they grow well with the help of the right nutrients. But just what foods contain these nutrients? Here are four of them.
Whole Grain Foods
Whole grain foods have great nutritional value and provide carbohydrates which help give growing children the energy they need to stay active. The four major crops that account for 99% of the world’s GM crop area are oilseed grape, soybean, cotton, and maize, and each packs a good dose of healthy nutrients. You could start them off on a healthy breakfast by serving them a breakfast of whole-grain cereal and packing them whole grain snacks to eat throughout the day. Choose from brown rice, whole-wheat couscous, and quinoa if you need variety, and mix them with other meals to ensure that your kids eat and enjoy them. When you can have them finish their food without complaining, you will know that you’ve found a winning combination which you should stick to whenever you need a quick, healthy fix.
Lean Meat and Poultry
These nutrients are important for active brains and developing muscles, so make sure to also include them in your meals as often as possible. They also help kids to feel more wholesomely full for longer after they eat, eliminating the need to snack on unhealthy options. To ensure that they start the day right, prepare a breakfast of bean burritos, eggs, or even leftovers from the last meal you had the day before if it has a protein in them. They will spend the rest of the day comfortably full and energetic, ready to learn new skills. For protein-packed snacks, you could pack them some sliced lean turkey, bean dips alongside raw vegetables, nut butters like peanut butter, and a variety of nuts.
Vegetables and Fruits
This list would not be complete without fruits and vegetables, as these help provide the body with a number of minerals and vitamins. Whether they’re juiced, dried, frozen, canned, or fresh, each has its own value that cannot be overstated. Make sure they have a fruit, vegetable, or both with every single meal, and they will likely not need to take dietary supplements. Dietary supplements, according to the Food and Drug Administration, are products containing dietary ingredients like herbs, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. These are crucial for children and adults who cannot get the right nutrients that they need from the food they eat alone.
Low-Fat Dairy Foods
This food group helps ensure that your kids get potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Just three dairy servings each day are enough to ensure that kids and teenagers get the required nutrients that they need. Fat-free yogurt parfaits are a great alternative to an eight-ounce glass of milk with low-fat content. For snacks, string cheese is a great option for them to take after school or even while they’re out and about. If you prefer to get these nutrients from non-dairy sources, you could try soy yogurt, fortified soy milk, or even calcium-set tofu. If you would like to find creative meal plans with low-fat dairy or non-dairy products, you could search online alongside the 61% of internet users around the world who research products online.
Make it a point to include the foods listed above in every meal you cook so that your children get the best foundation for their growing bodies and developing minds. Don’t forget that water is also an important part of proper eating and ensure that they’re adequately hydrated throughout the day.
