Healthy foods for children

MNA Life Style Desk: For many parents, buying and preparing healthy foods is pretty easy. As a parent, one of the most important things you do is to help your children learn healthy eating habits. Children need a balanced diet with vegetables and fruit, grain products, milk and alternatives, and meat and alternatives.

Fruit and vegetables

Fruit and vegies give your child energy, vitamins, anti-oxidants, fibre and water. They help protect your child’s body against all kinds of diseases.

Grain foods

Grain foods include breakfast cereals, breads, rice, pasta, corn and more. These foods give your child the energy she needs to grow, develop and learn. Grain foods with a low glycaemic index, like wholegrain pasta and breads, will give your child longer-lasting energy and keep him feeling fuller for longer.

Reduced-fat dairy products

Milk, cheese and yoghurt are high in protein and calcium, which helps to build strong bones and teeth. Try to offer your child different kinds of dairy each day – for example, drinks of milk, cheese slices, bowls of yoghurt and so on.

Protein

Protein is important for your child’s growth and muscle development. Foods with lots of protein include meat, fish, chicken eggs, beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu and nuts. These foods also contain other useful vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Olives

Your little one is sure to love eating olives. They bring a whole new meaning to finger food. Aside from being fun to play with, they contain lots of healthy unsaturated fat that can help improve brain function and they are also chocking full of antioxidants.

Nuts

Nuts are a great way to get healthy foods fats and build energy. Make your own trail mix using nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Keep it in the car for an afternoon energy boost.