5 Food Groups for Healthy Growth of Children

Do you want to know about the five food groups that your must include in your child’s diet for his or her healthy development? Read to find out more.Parents need to ensure that kids eat a balanced and healthy diet. Growing children need ample amount of everything. They need to be given a balanced diet containing items from all food groups.Here are five food groups which are a must in your child’s diet. This will help you to understand what you must include for healthy growth of children. Perfectly categorized into five groups, this information will help you to understand the must haves in your children’s diet.

1. Dairy Products

Dairy products such as cheese, milk, etc are the best source of calcium. Calcium helps to keep the teeth and bones healthy and strong. Growing children require ample amount of calcium in their diet, hence never forget to include dairy foods as part of your child’s daily diet. You can prepare milkshakes, etc for kids.Compared to other foods, dairy foods are much higher in calcium. They provide fat and vitamins to the body.

2. Fruits

Fruits are extremely good for health. Found abundantly in nature, they are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and many phytonutrients. They are a source of dietary fibre which helps to prevent constipation in kids. Eating plenty of fruits will make your child’s skin glow. You can even make fruits smoothies at home; however fruits are best when eaten raw without grinding. Fruits can be given as breakfast or a part of evening snacks.

3. Grains

Wholegrain breads, pastas, noodles, oats, etc contain grains which are required in your child’s diet. They are easy to prepare and fill the stomach nicely. You can give your child barley water. Whole wheat noodles and bread varieties can be prepared at home itself. Early morning porridge is a very good breakfast. Morning cereal is also a good way to include grains in your child’s diet.

4. Lean Meat, Poultry and Seafood

Meat and seafood are a great source of protein so you can include meat in your child’s diet at least twice a week.There are other options such as soya, tofu, etc for the vegetarians. Such foods contain plenty of protein which makes the muscles strong. Protein builds and repairs the tissues in the body. Seeds and nuts are also a good source of protein which can be included in your child’s diet. Instead of frying, meat can be broiled or baked.

5. Vegetables

Vegetables must be consumed abundantly by your child. At least one half of your child’s plate must include vegetables and fruits. They are healthy and naturally low in calories. Make plenty of salads at home. You can add nuts, seeds or mayonnaise to salads to make it more appealing to kids. Vegetables should be presented to kids in such a way that they find it appealing to eat. Vegetables are also a source of minerals, vitamins, etc. Vegetables can be cooked in a delicious way so that children find them interesting to eat.You can reduce the amount of cakes, cookies and candies in your child’s diet. Although children love to eat them, they are not a must in your child’s diet. Also do not forget to include carbohydrates in your child’sdiet as they provide energy to the body. Potatoes, pasta, rice, etc are a good source of carbohydrates.The above information will help you to prepare meals properly and understand what you must include to make your child strong and healthy. Children should not be too fussy about food. They must not be picky eaters. Help kids to understand that a balanced diet is a must for overall growth and wellbeing.

Which foods can help to aid growth and development of children? How to encourage kids to eat healthy? Which are the important constituents of a child’s diet? Discuss here.