The Importance of a Healthy Diet for Children
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but especially for children. A child’s bones and muscles are still growing, and the brain is still developing. You may have some questions about a healthy diet for children. Our pediatrician has the answers you need. The pediatricians at Pediatric Care North in Kansas City, MO, offer comprehensive medical services for children, including dietary and nutritional counseling.
What You Need To Know About Children’s Nutrition
A healthy diet fuels the body. A healthy diet should provide:
- Calcium creates strong bones
- Protein, to build muscle
- Iron, provides energy
- Vitamins and minerals, to help the body function
Your child needs the vital substances listed above in order to grow and develop. If your child eats a lot of snacks, junk food, or fast food, your child is eating a lot of calories, and not getting any nutrition from the food. These are “empty calories.”
So, what is a healthy diet? Your child should eat:
- Lean proteins, including fish, turkey, and chicken
- Whole fruits, not fruit juices
- Vegetables, including green leafy vegetables like spinach
- Whole grains, including whole wheat, rice, and quinoa
- Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt
Childhood obesity is a huge problem in this country, so consuming the right amount of calories is very important. According to healthychildren.org, your child should have:
- 1000 calories, if your child is 2-3 years old
- 1200-1400 calories, if your child is 4-8 years old
- 1400-1600 calories for girls, and 1600-2000 calories for boys 9-13 years old
- 1800 calories for girls, and 2000-2400 calories for boys 14-18 years old
Our pediatrician is a nutritional expert and can help you develop meal plans which are healthy for your child. You want your child to grow, develop, and thrive, and a healthy diet is essential.
Want To Know More?
To find out more about the importance of a healthy diet for children, call the pediatricians at Pediatric Care North in Kansas City, MO. You can reach them in the office by calling (816) 587-3200, so call today.