Malnutrition in preschoolers can affect their physical and mental development adversely. During the preschool period, the children grow very fast. For proper growth and development, the kids need to get all the vital nutrients through a balanced diet every day. Most kids drink milk because it is a balanced meal and contains most of the vital nutrients like proteins, vitamins and healthy fats. Good food habits have to be developed in kids from an early age to make them internally strong. It is definitely the responsibility of the parents to develop good eating habits in the kids.
Parents should give emphasis on the first meal of the day or the breakfast that their kids eat. The breakfast has to be full of required nutrients from the different food groups. Make fresh, organic veggies a part of each meal. Cereals, milk, eggs and fruits are good choices for breakfast. Instead of packaged cereals, you can feed your preschoolers whole grains. Studies show that kids who regularly have a filling breakfast do well in exams and learn faster. Good food habits are a result of regular healthy routine meals.
Kids must get proper amount of minerals and vitamins because they help in strengthening their immunity system. Vitamin A is necessary for eyesight and Vitamin D is important for the growth of bones. Vitamin E, B, and K are also important for the development of children. Minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and iodine are required for proper cell function. Sea fish, egg, leafy vegetables like spinach and lettuce are rich in vitamins and minerals. You can also give your children vitamin and mineral supplements. Kids need vitamins and minerals in a small quantity and that is why they are called micronutrients.
Proteins, carbohydrates and fats are known as macronutrients. Half of your kid’s lunch plate should contain vegetables like carrots, beat, cabbage, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, and beans. The other half should consist of grains, meat, eggs and pulses. Some schools provide healthy breakfasts and meals for preschoolers. Make sure your kids eat healthy in school as well. A good eating habit in preschoolers will prevent them from falling prey to chronic heart and other diseases when they grow up.