Proper nutrition is very important for the health of the child. Read on for a Balanced Healthy Diet for 5-Year-Olds!
Three daily balanced meals that include lean meats, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can prevent a 5-year-old from developing health conditions such as osteoporosis later in life.
In addition, physical activity must be present in the daily routine of the child to reduce the likelihood of his excess weight.
According to Baylor College of Medicine, the average 5-year-old usually needs about 40 calories per pound of body weight. Always talk to your pediatrician before changing his diet.
A Healthy Balanced Diet for 5-Year-Olds
1. Healthy Diet of 5-Year-Olds: Breakfast
Breakfast is the day's most important meal for you and your child. Children who eat a balanced healthy diet get daily nutritional needs to help keep their weight in check, maintain lower blood cholesterol levels and complain less of stomach pain.
In addition, eating breakfast helps to refuel the body throughout the day. Whole wheat bread, cereals with low-fat milk, and fruits are good sources of morning nutrition.
This combination of foods can be served as healthy food for your child or served separately with milk.
2. Healthy Diet of 5-Year-Olds: Whole Grains
There are two types of grains: whole grains and refined grains. Refined grains have been distilled, which in turn removes all nutrients from them. After purification, its nutrients are replaced with synthetic vitamins and minerals.
Therefore, it is best to avoid this type of grain; White bread, pasta, and sugar are sources of refined grains. Whole grains consist of wholemeal bread, oats, bran, fiber, and barley. The recommended daily grain intake for a 5-year-old is 4 to 5 ounces.
3. Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are low in calories. Vitamins like vitamin C are one of the most important vitamins, as they protect your cells from oxidation. Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits.
Strong bones and teeth require vitamin D, which aids calcium and magnesium absorption. A healthy balanced diet will provide an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals for your 5-year-old.
Incorporating fruits like bananas into your child's breakfast is a good way to start the day. The average 5-year-old needs five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
4. Healthy Diet of 5-Year-Olds: Lean Meat
Your muscles and other bodily tissues need protein to grow, function and be maintained. Meat contains protein, B vitamins, and iron.
Iron is necessary for your body to transport oxygen to your body's cells, while B vitamins are essential for the energy and health of the heart as well as the nervous system. Your 5-year-old needs 3 to 4 ounces. lean meat every day.
5. Low-Fat Milk
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for healthy bones and teeth in your body. Dairy products also include protein. For your child, low-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent providers of calcium.