Young children today are victims of as many health problems as adults, at times even more. However, a balanced diet is essential for all-round growth of the child - physical, mental and emotional. There are many different ways of achieving that balanced diet. Here's a basic guideline that can help you start afresh with your kids.

 

 

Children should be given healthy foods which are rich in vitamins, minerals. The type of diet in children are high carbohydrate, high fat foods and high fiber foods. The diet also should be rich in iron, calcium and vitamins and minerals.

The following foods should be incorporated in a child’s diet:

Milk:  It is good source of calcium, vitamin and proteins. The milk protein present in the milk is called casein.

Foods rich in dietary fiber like fruits, fruit juices, green leaves. Fruits like apples, chickoos, melon, oranges are good source of carbohydrates and minerals.

 

 

 

 

Cereals are one of the important ingredients in the children’s diet. Cereals like oats, ragi are good. Ragi porridge is good for child, since it is rich in calcium and iron. The powder made of mixture of following cereals like ragi, rice, ground nuts, dry fruits are good source of proteins, minerals.

Dry fruits like cashews, almonds, dates are very good source of minerals. Dates have high content of iron.

The common food which can be given to the children are rice, chapattis, parathas, dosa, idli, vada, vegetable pulav etc.

Mild products like ghee, cheese, paneer can be incorporated in moderate levels.

Soya which is one of the high protein content cereal. Soya powder can be mixed with atta while making chapattis.

Vegetables like carrots, beans, potatoes, cabbage can be given daily.

Non vegetarian foods can be given if you are non vegetarians. Chicken, fish are good for the child since it is easily digestible. Chicken soups or mutton soups are very good.

 

Give adequate amount of water to drink.