Key in Right Ingredients to Open Nutrition Lock

Childhood Obesity Epidemic

Childhood obesity has become a crucial problem around the globe. The alarming fact is that while children are consuming too much of unhealthy foods, they are simultaneously missing out on the key ingredients needed for their optimal growth and development, resulting in individuals who are undernourished.

Children rarely consume fruits and vegetables and almost 16 percent of their total caloric intake comes from added sugars. The positive part here is that, with simple strategies and smart thinking, parents can guide their kids to meet their nutritional needs required for balanced growth and healthy body weight as their minds and bodies grow.

Snack Knack: A healthy and nutritious snack can help pack extra nutrients and compensate for the missing nutrients during meals. Pack snacks from any of the key food groups, like whole-grain crackers with low-fat cheese, low-fat yogurt with fresh fruit or vegetables slices dipped in salsa.

Be Hard on Soft Drinks: Children often choose sugary beverages which are loaded with calories and minimal nutrients, if any, while ignoring nutrient-packed foods or beverages. Motivate children to drink water, low-fat or fat-free milk or 100% fruit juices instead of soda, fruit drinks or other sugary beverages. Otherwise, if your child is already habituated to drinking soda, trigger them to choose alternatives such as seltzer with some lemon or lime and save the soda for special occasions or occasional treats.

Protein Routine: It is mandatory to include protein in each of your meals as this nutrient provides energy, supports growth and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Try consuming foods such as meat, beans, low- or fat-free dairy products, grains and vegetables which have high protein content.

Fruit Punch: Though 100% fruit juice equips your body with nutrients and antioxidants, juices have inadequate fiber content to help you feel full. It is always suggested to eat the whole fruit as such and then go for other forms such as 100-percent fruit juice.

Every child is unique and his/her nutritional need differs according to age, gender and activity level. Get in touch with a registered dietitian nutritionist at www.firsteatright.com to customize the nutritional needs of your child specifically.