Many parents complain that their children do not eat properly. So, do your kids appear week or dull? Do they fall sick often? If you respond in affirmative, then the toddler might be suffering from nutritional deficiency or unhealthy and improper eating habits. A balanced diet is very important for children’s healthy development. Continue reading if you want to learn more about a balanced diet for toddlers.

What is a balanced diet for children?

According to the nutritionist from Montessori of Chino, CA, a balanced diet is highly essential for the good health and well-being of your children. A balanced diet is a perfect combination of proteins, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates and it fulfills the daily caloric needs of toddlers. Children need approximately 50% off calorie requirements from carbohydrates, 30% from fats and 20% from the proteins. As primary caregivers, you need to make sure that your little ones eat foods from all the above-mentioned food groups.
Teachers from Preschool of Chino, CA, encourage parents to include the below-mentioned nutrients in their children’s balanced diet.

Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates are the energy-giving nutrients. Toddlers need the correct amount of carbohydrates to fulfill their energy requirements. You can include whole grain foods like bread, cereals, and pasta in your toddlers’ daily diet plan so that they get enough energy.

Proteins:

Proteins are considered as bodybuilding nutrients. In the opinion of nutritionists from Montessori of Chino, CA, protein-rich foods are responsible for children’s’ healthy growth, muscle building and repair, and building antibodies. Foods like fish, dairy products and eggs can provide your kids’ daily dose of protein requirement.

Calcium:

Calcium is extremely necessary for strong bones. You need to include calcium-rich foods like cheese, yogurt, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach and collard green in your toddlers’ regular diet plan. As calcium deficiency is very common in children, you need to make sure that your kids are having enough calcium-rich food to avoid such a situation.

Vitamins:

Vitamins are important for the normal functioning of the body. Vitamins rich foods help to boost your toddlers’ immunity system, promote growth and development. Vitamins also help in the smooth functioning of the cells and various organs. Vitamin A is necessary for good vision; vitamin C works as an immunity booster and supports proper functioning of the brain. Vitamin d helps in the proper absorption of calcium. To ensure your children’s proper vitamin intake, you can include beef liver, Cod liver oil, sweet potato, carrots, black-eyed peas, broccoli, fish, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, and eggs to their daily diet plan.

Other nutrients:

According to Preschool of Chino, CA, kids need some other nutrients like iron, amino acids, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to be strong and healthy. Adding spinach, broccoli, fish, meat, walnuts, flax seeds, sardine fish to their daily diet plan will help reduce the risk of any nutritional deficiency.

A well-balanced diet is very helpful for children as it provides important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep the body and mind strong and healthy. Eating well can also help ward off many diseases and health complications as well as help to maintain healthy body weight, provide enough energy, allow better sleep and improve brain functioning.