Give your child the option of salad or chips, and you can guarantee they will always go for the latter option.
The chemical additives found in junk food is what makes them taste so good, but they do absolutely nothing for your child’s health. When your child is young, it is vital they receive all the right vitamins and minerals from the food they eat, in order to promote regular and healthy development.
There are certain superfoods that children in particular should try to eat. However, we know it can be rather troublesome trying to get your little one to eat fruit and veg sometimes, so with summer round the corner, this is a great time to introduce them to some new juicy fruits and various other food types they may not even know exist!
Fruit
- Berries – raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries.
- Kiwis
- Oranges
- Grapes
- Watermelon
- Grapefruit
All these fruits are a great source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. They also make a great snack; perfect for a warm summer’s day!
Milk
An excellent way to fill your child’s diet with calcium and vitamin D is with milk. Low in calories but high in protein, milk can help your child’s bones grow strong and healthy – just remember to opt for whole milk rather than skimmed.
Low-fat Greek yoghurt
Another great source of protein and calcium is low-fat Greek yoghurt. It’s thick and creamy texture makes it feel like a real treat. Serve with fruit, nuts and honey for a tasty breakfast.
Leafy greens
Any leafy greens your child can get their hands on will do them a lot of good. Whether cabbage, spinach or kale (the latest trendy veg!), greens are packed full of iron, and rich in calcium and fibre.
Quinoa salad
A similar consistency to couscous, quinoa contains a whole bunch of vital vitamins and minerals: omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, manganese, several B vitamins, vitamin E and fibre!
The beauty of quinoa is that you can add almost anything to it for a super tasty yet healthy food e.g. peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, onion etc.
Fish and seafood
Fish will provide your child with those all-important fatty acids. Also referred to as ‘brain food’, introducing fish or seafood of any description to your child (try starting with tuna) is a good idea.
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent breakfast ingredient and extremely versatile. The whites are filled with protein and the yolks contain healthy fats that help lower cholesterol.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another perfect breakfast option. High in protein, zinc, manganese, iron, and good carbohydrates to keep your child full…the list goes on!
Sweetcorn
Full of antioxidants, sweetcorn is a great addition to most meals and contains macular pigment that reduces the risk of light-induced damage, helping protect your little ones eyes from harmful rays.
Why not try gradually incorporating some of these foods into your child’s meals to give them a varied, balanced and healthy diet.
The team at Tiny World provide all children in our care with a varied and healthy diet. To learn more about the excellent childcare services we offer throughout Nottingham and Mansfield, please get in touch with us today.