Kids Nutrition

Articles

Mar 1

Healthy eating is a component of a healthy lifestyle at any age. National Nutrition Month takes place every March and provides us the opportunity to check in on our nutrition and food choices. Each year this campaign is led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with the goal of assisting individuals to develop healthy eating habits and promote regular physical exercise. Some kids will learn about nutrition in school, while others will not be exposed to the same information. It is important that parents and families take an active role in educating their kids about good health and nutrition. Learning about eating habits and how to shape healthy ones helps kids learn more about self-awareness and making smart decisions. Families can engage their cultural roots through food and activities as well, so this topic provides an opportunity to incorporate more than just health-conscious thinking habits.

What Should Kids Eat?

Nutrition overall follows the same guidelines for kids as it does for adults. Although we all need certain nutrients to ensure healthy body function, we are all different and may have unique dietary requirements. Generally, you can follow the categories of food and make sure to get a portion from each every day.

Protein

All the tissue in the body relies on protein to rebuild, strengthen, or maintain itself, from the muscles to the organs. Kids can get protein from many different types of foods such as fish, eggs, beans, meat, nuts, some types of grain, or dairy.

Vegetables

Packed with a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, vegetables are necessary for the body to grow and develop over the lifespan. There are so many different types of vegetables to choose from, with a range of flavors. Kids might enjoy beets or sweet potatoes if they aren’t open to eating their broccoli.

Fruits

As an alternative to sweets, fruit can satisfy a sweet tooth while also providing needed vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Whole fruit is preferable to juice, as there can be many added sugars in fruit juice and it lacks the benefit of fiber. With so many flavors to choose from, your child can taste the rainbow to find their favorites.

Grain

Whole grains come in many forms and can be incorporated into any meal. For breakfast, for example, oatmeal with whole grain oats is an excellent choice to start the day. Dinner could include brown rice or quinoa. Whole grains contain the carbohydrates kids need to fuel their energy, while also providing additional minerals, vitamins, and fiber.

Dairy

If kids enjoy dairy, there are many nutritional benefits including necessary calcium and vitamin D that can be absorbed. Other types of dairy can be beneficial for digestion such as yogurt or kefir. It is important to watch for added sugars in any dairy product or drink.

The Impact of Your Example

Caregivers provide an example for kids to follow when it comes to eating habits and nutrition. Children tend to model their eating habits after their family or caregiver’s habits in many cases. Understanding your impact on your child’s food choices is important to help you navigate the path toward healthy nutrition. If you skip breakfast, drink coffee, and don’t drink water during the day, chances are the kids in your household will take note. When you introduce new foods to your children in a fun way, make sure you are engaging as well. If you don’t eat your Brussels sprouts, kids are less likely to have any desire to try them!

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Get Creative in the Kitchen

Aiming to create a rainbow on your plate is a fun way to make sure you are incorporating a variety of different foods at each meal. The rainbow plate goal can be a fun way for kids to get involved in the kitchen as well. Kids gain developmental benefits by helping out with meal preparation, so prepare your sous chef to learn! Encourage kids to try new flavors and help them understand how we create different meals by incorporating different categories, colors, or tastes on our plates. When children are involved in the cooking and preparation process, they are more likely to try the new dish they create.

MyPlate

The US Department of Agriculture provides a fun way to engage in dietary health through MyPlate.gov. You can start by taking their quiz to determine how your eating habits score and get recommendations for what to alter. Their app helps you find local budget-friendly grocery items to help you stay on track with your healthy choices. You can also find healthy recipes and resources to help you cook healthy meals, snacks, and create grocery lists for meal planning.

Visit https://www.myplate.gov/ to get started and explore all they have to offer.

Feeding Therapy

When kids have trouble eating, they may not get the proper nutrients they need to grow and develop in the healthiest way they could otherwise. Speech-Language Pathologists work with children who have trouble feeding and swallowing to help prevent them from problems like dehydration or food and liquid entering their airways. Learn more about the feeding therapy services provided by our exceptional therapists.

Looking for more resources? We’ve compiled information on a range of topics related to child development and skill-building. You can find helpful activities and crafts you can do at home to help focus on certain areas of your child’s development. For individuals in the Southern Nevada, Northern Nevada, or Oregon communities, our experienced therapists are available to help! Fill out at patient registration form to get started with Occupational, Physical, or Speech Therapy.