Milk and milk products are an important
source of energy, proteins, calcium and vitamins. A child must have
about ½ litre of milk products per day.
A child below five years should be given
milk and not skimmed milk.
Appetite-spoiling
Foods
Heavy snacks between meals should be
avoided as they spoil the child's appetite. It is better to offer him fruits
and sandwiches instead of cakes and chocolates.
You should control your child's intake
of sweets, biscuits, chocolates, cakes, colas, etc. because sugar is a
major cause of tooth decay. It is always better to give juices instead
of colas.
Tips for Fussy
Eaters
If your child is a fussy eater, try
to make his meals more attractive by giving him foods like milkshake, pudding,
ice-creams etc.
If your child is a poor eater, invite
some other children over during mealtimes who are of the same age and are
good eaters.
If your child is fit and healthy, and
is growing and gaining weight as expected, do not fuss about his eating.
Avoid getting into a battle at meal
times. Mealtimes should be enjoyable and you should talk about things other
than food.
Tips for Overweight
Children
If your child is over weight, reduce
the use of cooking oil. Instead of frying, grill or bake the food.
Cooking Tips for
Mothers
Use less of sugar, salt and refined
flour (maida or all-purpose flour) preparations.
Unpolished rice or par-boiled rice is
better than polished rice.
Do not overcook vegetables, they lose
their nutritive value.
Do not cook fruits since the essential
vitamin C is lost.
The skin of many vegetables is rich
in vitamins and minerals, so offer fresh fruits to the child with their
skins.
Wherever possible, use jaggery instead
of sugar, since it is very high in iron.
Avoid adding too much spice.
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