Giving your child a strong start in life includes laying the foundation for good nutrition. Just as you wouldn’t build a house on a weak foundation, you don’t want your child’s future health to be based on unhealthy eating habits. That’s why you should encourage your child to eat healthily and develop healthy eating habits at every stage of their development.

Infants

Starting good nutrition early is important for infants. Good nutrition during the first few years of life helps to ensure healthy growth and development. Good nutrition also helps to prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

There are a few things that parents can do to help their infants get off to a good start nutritionally. First, breastfeed if possible. Breastmilk is the perfect food for infants and provides all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life.

If you are not able to breastfeed, or if you choose to supplement with formula, be sure to select a formula that is fortified with iron. Iron is important for babies because it helps to prevent anemia.

Toddlers

Toddlers are at a stage in their nutritional development where they are starting to eat more solid foods and are becoming more active. This means that their nutritional needs are changing. They need more calories and nutrients than they did as infants.

A healthy diet for a toddler should include a variety of foods from all food groups. Food diversity will help them get the nutrients they need.

Some tips for feeding your toddler a healthy diet include:

– Offer a variety of foods from all the food groups.

– Encourage them to eat slowly and stop when they are full.

– Avoid using food as a reward or punishment.

– Avoid sugary drinks and snacks.

– Make mealtimes a family affair.

Grade-Schoolers

Eating a nutritious diet helps children grow and develop properly. It also helps them concentrate in school and perform well academically.

There are a few things parents can do to help their grade-schoolers eat a healthier diet. First, make sure to pack a healthy lunch for them to take to school. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein and whole grain foods. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks, and instead, pack healthy alternatives like water or unsweetened fruit juice.

Second, encourage your child to eat breakfast every morning. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it provides the energy and nutrients needed to start the day off right. Make sure to include healthy options like whole grain cereals, fruits, and yogurt. Avoid sugary breakfast foods like pastries and flavoured coffees.

Third, create a healthy home environment for your child. Stock your pantry and refrigerator with healthy foods, and limit access to unhealthy snacks and junk food. Encourage your child to eat regular meals and snacks at set times throughout the day. And finally, make sure your child gets plenty of physical activity. A healthy lifestyle includes both healthy eating and regular exercise.

Final Thoughts

It’s never too early to start good nutrition. In fact, the sooner you start, the better. By starting early, you can help your child develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.

Start good nutrition early with the help of Prep’d Fresh. We are a food delivery service that provides healthy food in Oakville. We offer a variety of healthy, ready-to-eat meals every week that we deliver right to your door. Order now!