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Eating habits begin in early childhood. Providing healthy and balanced school meals sets an example for students to learn to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods from an early age. So, what’s the best formula to fuel your child’s growth and development?
Nutrition for kids is based on the same principles as nutrition for adults. Everyone needs the same types of nutrients — such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat.
Consider incorporating the following nutrient-dense foods into your child’s school lunches: seafood, grass-fed/pasture-raised meat and poultry, eggs, beans, peas, and unsalted nuts and seeds. Encourage your child to eat a variety of fresh, frozen or dried fruits and vegetables. Choose whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, or brown or wild rice. Limit refined grains such as white bread, pasta and white rice. Encourage your child to eat and drink dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese or fortified non-dairy beverages. For real-food healthy school lunch ideas, visit https://wellnessmama.com/76599/healthy-school-lunch-ideas/.
Check out these nutrition basics for girls and boys at various ages, based on the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. If you have specific concerns about your child’s diet, talk to your child’s doctor or a registered dietitian.
References:
Appendix 7. Nutritional Goals for Age-Sex Groups Based on Dietary Reference Intakes and Dietary Guidelines Recommendations. (n.d.).Retrieved July 09, 2020, from https://health.gov/our-work/food-nutrition/2015-2020-dietary-guidelines/guidelines/appendix-7/
Healthy school lunch ideas. (2020, March 21). Retrieved on July 09, 2020, from https://wellnessmama.com/76599/healthy-school-lunch-ideas/
What nutrients does your child need now? (2020, May 23). Retrieved July 09, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/nutrition-for-kids/art-20049335
About the Author:
Will’s passion of living a healthy lifestyle and desire to help others led him to begin his fitness journey over 20 years ago. He has a background in powerlifting, kettlebells, sports conditioning, gymnastics and weight loss management to name a few. In his free time, he enjoys exploring movement arts, listening to music, being in nature and playing video games. When he is not active or learning something new, you can find him in the kitchen trying out new cooking recipes or spending time with his two sons.
