Are you worried about your child’s nutritional fulfillment when you are packing his lunch box? Are you tired of his fuzzy eating habits? If so, this content will provide you some tips and information to make your kid’s meal box more nutritious and delightful. These easy nutrition tips mainly include swapping junk with whole grains, fruits, veggies, berries and the goodness of fruits and vegetables.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Nutrition
Most of the parents know the importance of meeting the nutritional requirements of their kids. However, they strive hard to meet these requirements on a daily basis. As most kids are picky eaters, it is important to pack a healthy and hearty meal that is not just good in nutrition, but also great in looks. A balanced and nutrient-rich meal also provides ample energy and nutrients for the kids. This is important for them to perform daily activities, improve concentration, and build a proper eating habit.
Below mentioned are some simple tips you can follow to improve nutrition for kids. Consider the below factors to know more:
Add Whole Grains
Replacing the refined flour products with whole grain products is one of the simplest yet effective ways to boost the nutritional intake of your kid. This can be anything from whole grain breads and wraps to crackers and noodles. They contain more essential nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Apart from this, the fiber content in these whole grains also help with the child’s better digestion and keeps them filled for a longer period of time.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
It is also important to add a portion of fresh fruits, vegetables, berries or dry fruits to boost the nutritional level of the kids. They are packed with different types of natural vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber which makes them an essential part of the lunch box. On the other hand, this also adds colors and variety to the lunch box that most kids love to explore. In order to add colors, you can use fruits and vegetables like apples, grapes, oranges, carrots, berries, cucumber, etc.
Add Some Proteins
Protein is also a very important factor that ensures complete nutrition intake in your kid’s lunch box. It is important for the overall growth and development of the kid. However, instead of using processed meats like nuggets and sausages, you should consider adding lean protein to your kid’s snack box. Some options include grilled chicken, boiled eggs, paneer, and fatty fish. In case, if you want to provide plant-based protein, you can choose different options like lentils, beans, chickpeas. If your kid does not like them individually, you can combine all these nutrients into a wrap or roll. These proteins will keep your child energized throughout the day.
Dairy and Other Options
Dairy products like milk, curd, cheese and ghee are excellent sources of vitamin D and calcium, which is very important for bone development. You can include yogurt cups, cheese slices or a small milk container in your kid’s snack box. If your child is lactose intolerant, you can choose dairy alternatives like soy milk or almond milk.
Healthy Fats
Lastly, it is also important to include healthy fats. It is very important for brain development and overall health. However, make sure you avoid sugary snacks and deep fried foods and include healthy options like avocado, nut butter, seeds and nuts. You can give it in the form of sandwiches or wraps. You can even include a handful of mixed nuts and seeds that the kids would love to munch during the break hours.
Tips for While Choosing Healthy Snacks for Kids Lunch Boxes
There are some important things that you should keep in mind when packing your kids snack box. Some of them are mentioned below:
Portion Control: Firstly, it is important to consider the portion size based on your child’s age and activity level. Make sure you are not overfilling the box. Smaller portions prevent overeating and help your child to maintain a steady energy level.
Hydration: Apart from offering nutritious foods, it is also important to make sure your kid is hydrated throughout the day. You can include a bottle of water or a small box of unsweetened milk to keep your child hydrated.
Involve your Kids: You can also involve your kids when you are packing the snack box. This will help you to understand his likes and dislikes. Moreover, when kids are involved in the process, they are more likely to acknowledge and enjoy the whole process.
Conclusion
Boosting the nutrition intake of your child does not have to be complicated. In fact, it is a great way for you to provide them with nutritious foods like whole grains, veggies, colorful fruits, and other protein rich options. All you have to do is to ensure that you are minimizing foods high in added sugar, preservatives or that are highly processed. These small changes can have a big impact on your child’s overall health, focus and energy levels throughout the day.
If you are looking for other easy and healthy snacks for kids, you can find some of the nutritious snacks provided by Healthy Master. Apart from choosing individual snacks, you can also select the snack buddy combo from the store which is a combination of twenty different snacks. This will help you to provide them with something new everyday. You will also find many deals and discounts in the store to make additional savings when you are ordering these nutritious snacks.
FAQs
Why is proper nutrition important for kids?
The right type of nutrition intake is very important for kids for their overall growth and development. It is crucial for brain functions, immunity, strong bones and overall development.
How does junk food affect a child's health?
Junk foods are often high in sugar, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats that can lead to different problems like poor digestion, obesity, lack of concentration, and a weakened immune system.
What are some healthy snack alternatives to junk food?
Instead of giving them chips and sugary treats, choose nutritious snacks like baked chips, roasted nuts, fruit slices with nut butter, whole-grain crackers, etc.
How can I encourage healthy eating habits in my kids?
You can make healthy eating fun by involving your kids in meal preparation, setting a good example by eating healthy yourself and by offering colorful and tasty nutritious snacks.
Can occasional junk food harm a child’s health?
An occasional treat is fine, but regular consumption of junk food can lead to unhealthy eating habits and long-term health risks.
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