Many parents are worried about providing their children with proper nutrition and a balanced diet. To appease their hungry children, they resort to readily available foods like hot dogs, pizza, French fries, juice and soda. These foods have little nutritional value and are loaded with calories.

Children get accustomed to such foods, hence leading to obesity and health problems. So make sure to provide your child with foods that are rich in fiber, calcium and iron and low in fat and calories. Here are some foods that must be included in your child’s regular diet.

– Milk

Milk slowly disappears from a toddler’s diet as he grows up. Sodas, juices and tasty sweetened drinks become more prominent. However, it is a parent’s duty to ensure that a growing child drinks at least 2 glasses of milk every day unless he or she suffers from a milk allergy. Milk is a source of calcium, protein and Vitamin D in easily digestible form that gets readily assimilated by the digestive system. You may opt for low fat milk if your child has a tendency to gain weight.

– Vegetables

Vegetables should be included in a child’s diet, but they should be made tasty and not forced upon them. Baked potatoes and beans, cooked carrots, corn and peas may be a good starting point. Introduce several vegetables from early childhood. Set an example by sharing vegetable dishes with children. Seasonal vegetables are rich in nutrients and boost the immune system.

– Eggs

Like most adults, children love to eat eggs. A single egg can supply all essential amino acids required by humans. In addition to this it provides several essential minerals and vitamins required by a growing child. Always give your child properly cooked eggs. While the egg yolk provides vitamin A, D and E, the egg white is a source of protein. Egg also supplies “choline” – an important nutrient needed for brain development.

– Breakfast cereal

A pack of breakfast cereal is good for your child when it includes whole grains and is fortified with added fiber and calcium. You may also look for breakfast cereal that provides necessary minerals, vitamins and extra iron. Avoid cereal that can be readily eaten out of the box or those with added sugar. Add a banana or strawberries to such cereal in order to enhance their nutritional value.

– Apples

Apples are juicy, sweet and a rich source of vitamin C. A whole unpeeled apple provides nearly 5 gm of fiber and would be a great addition to your child’s daily diet. Peeling an apple cuts its nutritional value in half, so do not peel it.

– Yogurt

Yogurt is healthy for your child. It not only serves as a good source of calcium but also helps digestion. Look for yogurts with “live active culture”. These are low fat varieties with little or no added sugar.

Encourage your child to eat these tasty and nutritional foods. Follow a diet chart to ensure that you are not depriving your child of essential nutrients.

Author Bio: For more information please visit our HIPAA certification