16 May The Importance of Creating a Healthy Diet For Your Kids
As a parent, it can be tough maintaining a healthy diet not only for yourself but for your children. Either you’re too busy trying to juggle it all or it’s just easier to hit the drive-thru. Perhaps your kids are picky eaters and it’s easier to have chicken nuggets every night for dinner as opposed to healthy, nutritious meals. However, it is vital that you maintain a healthy and balanced diet for your children. No matter how small, everyone needs the same nutrients and it is important to incorporate the proper amount of them into your child’s diet. If you’re having trouble getting your kids to eat healthier, there is a pediatrician in Plainview that can help. At Pediatric Associates of Plainview, our team of dedicated physicians can work with you by offering some healthy alternatives to try out at home.
How Can I Improve My Child’s Diet?
There are several methods you can incorporate into your child’s diet in order to improve their overall wellness. If you are not fully aware of these methods, follow these easy tips or consult with a pediatrician in Plainview to figure out what is right for your child.
- Keep healthy snacks readily available – Keeping healthy snacks in the house will make it easier to enforce healthy eating habits. If this is the only option available it makes it easier for children to avoid unhealthy snacks.
- Serve good protein sources – Lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, and beans are all good sources of protein to keep your child healthy and satisfied.
- Limit fat – Reducing fried foods and opting for grilling, broiling, steaming, and roasting can make for a diet lower in fat. Low-fat and nonfat products are also good options.
- Decrease sugar intake – Soda and fruity drinks are huge sources of sugar. Opt for water or low-fat milk to reduce your child’s sugar intake.
- Incorporate fruits and veggies – Although your child may not love them, fruits and vegetables are integral for a balanced diet. Your child should be having at least five servings of fruits and veggies per day and they should be served at every meal.
- Cut out fast food and unhealthy snacks – Instead of giving your child chips that lack any nutritional value as a snack, try carrots with hummus!
- Of course, keep everything in moderation, so you don’t have to cut out their favorite snacks altogether.
- Set the example – Your kids look up to you, so whatever you do, they’re going to want to follow a similar suite. Be a role model and eat as healthy as you can so that your kids will be more inclined to opt for the same foods that you consume.
It is wise to start your child on a healthy diet at a young age in order to help prevent obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Additionally, a healthy diet provides vitamins, minerals, and nutrients necessary for growth and development. To make sure you’re doing everything possible to create a healthier lifestyle for your kids, consult with a pediatrician in Plainview!
A Pediatrician in Plainview Can Help!
While we’ve provided some tips and tricks to help get your child on the right track, we know it can be difficult to convince them to eat right all the time. A pediatrician in Plainview can help you figure out what your child’s diet is lacking and how to incorporate it into their daily routine. At Pediatric Associates of Plainview, we have an experienced and well-trained staff that is dedicated to helping your child live a happy and healthy lifestyle. If you need a little help in the nutrition department, contact us today to set up an appointment with a pediatrician in Plainview.
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