Parents of picky eaters know the challenge of getting kids to enjoy food that nourishes their growing bodies. It’s no surprise that so many children reject whole foods in favor of packaged snacks with bright colors and kid-friendly advertising: Half of all the ad time on children’s television shows are for food, and almost all of those ads are for unhealthy foods, according to the American Psychological Association.
Add up these marketing strategies with the convenience of processed foods, and you have a recipe for unhealthy kids. The obesity rate for children and adolescents ages 2-19 in the U.S. is 19.7%. Nearly 15 million kids are obese, but even a child at a healthy weight may be in need of a nutrition upgrade.
Raising healthy kids is about more than cutting out unhealthy, calorie-dense snacks. It’s about making sure they get the nutrients their bodies need to grow. A study conducted by National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) found that many children aren’t getting enough iron, calcium, and vitamins B, D, and E.
School-age and pre-adolescent children need adequate nutrition to reach their full potential for growth, development, and health. Nutritional deficiencies such as iron deficiency anemia, and overall undernutrition can lead to a range of problems, including physical and mental delays and issues with school performance. Weight-related issues are increasingly prevalent at this stage, both obesity, as well as eating disorders are commonly seen among school-age children. Good nutrition is essential for learning and focus.
It’s okay to occasionally indulge in potato chips or a sugary snack. The key is building healthy habits so reaching for a less-nutritious treat becomes the exception, not the rule. However, proper nutrition in childhood has benefits for a lifetime: A child who eats nutritiously cuts his or her risk of short-term health problems and also reduces the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, Type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which are all possibilities later on in life. Healthy eating behaviors established at a young age indeed have a major impact on long-term well-being, so ensuring your children receive the necessary nutrition through proper diet regimens can help protect them from future health issues.
If your child rejects healthy food and makes mealtime stressful, there are other healthy foods you can try that are likely to win over even the pickiest young eaters. In this video, I make a fruit salad rich in vitamins A, C, and E as well as fiber. Even better, this recipe is so simple that kids can help make it!
Other great options for kids are my trail mix recipe. [LINK TO RECIPE]
I also recommend Gomacro Kids protein bars, which are the perfect snack food for school-age and preadolescent children, as they have adequate amounts of protein and carbohydrates to fuel growing bodies. These energy bars are also filled with healthy fats derived from nut butter and contain no trans fats. They have a pleasant taste that satisfies even the pickiest eaters! As with any nutritionally-dense food, though, it is important to consider portion size: while one Gomacro Kids bar makes an excellent snack each day, care should be taken to ensure those children don’t consume too much of them since they do contain a small amount of added sugar.
Plum Organics offers a variety of fruit and vegetable blends, high in fiber and protein, designed especially to meet kids’ nutritional needs. Their delicious snacks are made with plant-based sources such as white beans, vegetables, and fresh fruits that provide substantial amounts of vitamin D, zinc, iron, and, most importantly, fiber. Research has shown that regular intake of dietary fiber can help prevent chronic diseases that may arise during adulthood, including heart disease, various types of cancer, and diabetes, as well as hypertension. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables can help keep your teeth and gums clean, according to the American Dental Association.
Could your child’s favorite food benefit from a healthy makeover? Submit your recipe here for a chance to have it remade in a healthy way and featured in an upcoming video! NUTRIOLOGIC
References:
Brown, Judith E.. Nutrition Through the Life Cycle (p. 299). Cengage Learning. Kindle Edition.
