I have been on a roller coaster ride for a few months now with the hospitalisation of an elder from my home. The hectic schedule has affected everyone’s sleep routine and eating cycle. Mornings are usually the packing time for members going out and that includes my son too. Sometimes, he is accompanying his grandparents and sometimes, he’s at home but I am constantly juggling between places.
My biggest concern is whether my child’s diet is being compromised. Though I try my level best to keep fruits at home, cook healthy snacks for his small cravings and provide home-cooked food, in the end, every day doesn’t go as planned.
Importance of a healthy diet for my child’s overall development
Some days, we order food from outside or we reach home late and our meal times are disturbed. Therefore, I tried to make a meal schedule for my son that provides him with a healthy diet for his overall development. Every child is different and therefore their nutrient consumption is too.
Consider these nutrient-dense foods
Protein
Choose lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans, peas, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds.
Fruits
Encourage your child to eat a variety of fresh and seasonal fruits. Keep in mind that 1/4 cup of dried fruit counts as one serving of fruit.
Vegetables
Serve a variety of fresh and green vegetables. Include green and colourful vegetables daily
Grains
Choose whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread or pasta, oatmeal, quinoa, or brown or wild rice. I always add Chapati/roti to either one of my son’s meals; lunch or dinner.
Dairy
Encourage your child to eat and drink dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt and cheese. Thankfully, my son loves his milk with Complan. If you wonder why Complan then the first and foremost reason is that it’s always been there in my kitchen since my childhood.
Secondly, Complan has 34 essential nutrients including 100% milk protein and also has 63% more protein than any other nutrition drink. It supports memory, and concentration and is clinically proven to support 2x faster growth.
Nutrition impacts cognitive development (source)
Nutrition significantly impacts cognitive development. A balanced intake of essential nutrients supports children’s brain function, memory, concentration, and overall cognitive abilities.
Companion to a healthy diet
I am relieved that along with a healthy diet, my son enjoys his glass of milk with Complan which supports his daily nutrition.
Life is never the same so however hectic our schedules may be, we have decided to eat at least one meal of the day together, preferably dinner. Time spent together with good and nutritious food brings along many health benefits to both adults and children.
Well, we are sorted at home and with our daily routine coming to normal soon, we are enjoying our meal times together. Eating together and listening to everyone’s stories are the best ways to promote healthy eating habits among your children.
How do you provide a healthy diet to your children for their overall development?
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Complan.
