Children’s survival during their early years is dependent on the people who care for them.
Children require proper nutrition in order to develop, be healthy, and powerful. They require protection from disease and harm as they explore their surroundings. When they are ill, they require proper medical attention. Adults must address many of a developing child’s demands.
Children require caregivers who show them attention, love, and admiration. They require parents who spend time with them playing and chatting. Adults assist children from birth in learning the skills that will allow them to become competent, joyful, and loving adults.
Community health professionals assist families and other caregivers in raising their children. Their assistance can be important to the child’s healthy growth and development, especially when caregivers are also struggling with poverty, isolation, chronic sickness, and other challenges.
Parents have an important part in instilling healthy behaviors in their children. Teaching your children to love good food and physical activity from an early age sets them up for a lifetime of healthy living. Keep the following crucial points in mind:
Every day, have a well-balanced breakfast.
Breakfast provides youngsters with the energy and nutrition they require for a productive day at school. A well-balanced breakfast comprises fruits and vegetables, entire grains, and protein sources. Consider the following suggestions:
- Get up a bit earlier to allow for extra time for breakfast together.
- If your mornings are hectic, prepare things that you can grab and go, such as hard-boiled eggs, whole grain fruit muffins, or granola bars.
- Stock up on whole grain breads and cereals to pair with milk or fortified soy drinks, yogurt, and fruit.
- Fruit smoothies prepared with milk or fortified soy beverage, yogurt, and fresh or frozen fruit are an excellent option.
- Make breakfast more interesting by being creative! Allow youngsters to create their own yogurt parfait with healthy toppings such as nuts and seeds, dried fruit, whole grain cereal, unsweetened coconut, and more.
Teach your children to make healthy eating choices.
- Make sure that the majority of their options are from the Philippine Food Guide, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
- Make high-fat, high-sugar items like French fries, candy, chips, and soda accessible only sometimes.
- Allow your youngster to make easy dietary choices from an early age. ‘Would you prefer an apple or a banana?
The instructions are aimed at the general public and include information about newborn and child feeding.
The Philippines use the daily nutritional advice pyramid and has created pyramids for several population groups. The pyramid is split into suggested consumption levels. Exercise and personal and environmental hygiene messages serve as support messages for the pyramid.
The healthy eating plate for Filipino adults (Pinggang Pinoy) completes the pyramid’s lessons by demonstrating the proper placement of nutritious items in a meal.
Develop a positive connection with eating.
You can trust your youngster to recognize whether he or she is hungry or full.
Avoid reminding your children that they must finish everything on their plate. This instructs them to eat even when they are completely satisfied.
Avoid using food as a reward or punishment, as this can lead to overeating or unhealthy eating habits.
Allow your youngster to decide whether he or she has had enough or wants more.
Do you have a finicky eater? A dietician may assist you in ensuring that your child consumes a diverse range of meals in order to obtain all of the nutrients required for growth.
Include your children in dinner preparation.
Include your children in the planning of healthful meals and snacks.
Make it a game by asking your kids to come up with healthy snack and dinner ideas using items they like.
Shop for healthy grain breads, vegetables and fruit, reduced fat milk and alternatives, and lean meats or replacements as a group. Check out this grocery shop checklist.
Allow youngsters to assist in the preparation of nutritious school meals.
Set a good example.
Keep in mind that children learn through example. If kids observe their parents and siblings eating healthy meals and exercising, they are more likely to follow suit.
Shop for full grain breads, veggies, fruits, and protein items together.
When shopping or dining out, make prudent dietary selections.
Make time each week to be active with your children.
