A nutritious diet is vital for the growth and development of a child. It helps them focus, concentrate, and take on any opportunity that comes their way. Many parents assume that it is only important to feed their children, and what they feed does not matter. But, it does matter.
The functioning of your child’s brain and body depends partially, if not completely, on what they consume. Children need diverse nutrients to have a balanced diet that includes all macronutrients in the right proportions along with vitamins and minerals. Therefore, we must ensure that we give our kids the right healthy food, especially when they are growing. Our child’s body (as well as ours in fact) needs all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to stay healthy.
An early foundation is very important for a child’s rapid growth. Feeding them right with the appropriate nutrition is required for the development of the brain in young children. Children should be given food that’s healthy and that enables their cognitive skills to improve faster. It is a period of rapid growth and development: physical as well as cognitive, hence adequate nutrition is very critical. Also, due to specific needs, children in their growing age require additional or specific nutrients to support optimal growth.
Protein is one of the nutrients that is very important for growth and development in growing children. It helps build and repair muscles, bones, organs, and organ systems. Protein-rich foods that we can give our kids are eggs, salmon, tuna, beef, pork, paneer (cottage cheese), peas, legumes, etc. Protein also assists in building a strong immune system. We should include protein-rich foods in our children’s daily diets to ensure adequate intake of proteins.
Along with preparing and serving healthy balanced food, Complan can be included. It has 34 vital nutrients including 100% milk protein, vitamins, and minerals that support the overall growth and development. It also contains 63% more protein than other nutrition drinks. Complan is clinically proven to support 2x faster growth, memory and concentration in growing children.
Another not-so-good habit some of us, parents, have is to force-feed our children, whether with food that’s healthy or not. We tend to forget that our children are different individuals. While initially, they would have adjusted to the foods served in the house they are born in, eventually they may have their likes, dislikes, and tastes.
Also, some of us keep feeding our children every two hours, whether the kids are hungry or not. Force-feeding for any reason may make our children wary of food in general, averse to certain foods, or inculcate the habit of continuously eating. This can lead to symptoms of malnutrition, unhealthy food habits, or obesity. Therefore, for all these reasons and more, force-feeding must be avoided at all costs.
I believe that the best way to encourage the consumption of food that’s healthy is to eat along with our kids. We can motivate them to eat healthy by eating healthy foods around them. While doing so, we could explain to them the importance of having food that’s healthy. I noticed that even though my son loves junk food and sweets, he tends to eat his fruits if I join him in doing so. He also tends to have his vegetables (except bitter gourd) if I feed him.
Other times, I try reminding him about the benefits of eating healthy and eating right. I don’t encourage midnight snacking anymore. Both my kids are allowed to have limited pieces of chocolates daily (they know I am not a chocolate fan). I discourage candies and lollipops though my kids are sometimes given one to enjoy. So, as you can see, just making them eat food that’s healthy, or not allowing junk, may not work as well as it could when you set an example for them or explain things to them in a gentle way.
Kids need guidance. They won’t need exotic dishes unless they are introduced to them. So, while we introduce various cultures to them, we should also remind them that simple delicious food that’s healthy is the best. Let’s teach our kids to be happy and healthy all through their lives by setting the right foundation and reminding them about it regularly as they grow.
References:
https://files.firstthingsfirst.org/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Complan.
Photo by Jane Trang Doan
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
42 Comments
It is indeed very important to ensure that our children eat a healthy and wholesome diet.
good points, and these are valid for adults too. we need to stop with the junk food and the force feeding. like every where one visits the hosts are so insistent on making you eat and eat.
I completely agree with you. Children should never be forced fed. Every child is unique and has his/her own tastes, likes and dislikes. Parents should try to make them eat healthy food and set a live example of healthy eating infront of their kids.
True, Shifali!
I’ve seen at home how force feeding kids everything on their plate, even if they’re not hungry or don’t like it, can cause problems. It can make mealtime stressful and make them not want to try new foods.
True, Felicia.
I agree with Madhu Bindra, my mother to never force feed us and let us eat when we were really hungry coz that’s when the food we eat will have it true value in the growth and development of the body and mind of a child
I never ran after my children trying to force-feed them. My logic was always that if they are hungry they will eat. Eating the same food as the children at the same time as far as possible.
That’s good, Madhu!
This is a really informative article. Proteins are so crucial in the growing stage of the kids. A balanced meal is the key to good health: growth and immunity. It’s imperative that we feed them a well balanced meal everyday.
We often underestimate the power of setting an example. And force feeding serves no purpose. It is best to include healthy snacking instead.
Protein is building block. It is very essential in kids development. I agree with you settings an example is the way to have right food in kids diet.
I agree. Kids can be allowed junk food once in a while. If we explain the importance of eating right, this generation is ready to listen and implement. I’ve had Complan all through my growing-up years, so I too can vouch for it.
Inculcating right eating habits in children will avoid the force-feeding struggle for parents as well. Protein-rich foods are crucial for their growth and Complan helps a lot in it.
A very helpful guide for healthy eating, Cindy. I wish all moms follow this. Setting an example is the best way to get kids into the healthy earing habit. I never let my kids eat junk and even I never eat. I see moms obsessed with food and force feeding them. My daughters pediatrician used to say she is healthy just let her be when she is hungry she will ask for food and that’s how I got her to eat regularly.
Proper nutrition is essential for children’s growth and cognitive development. Ensuring they receive a balanced diet with diverse nutrients is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Parents must recognize the importance of not just feeding their children, but feeding them the right, healthy foods. Such an informative post!
One of the very important post for parents and a definitely educative post for those who feed their kids forcefully. I loved the different ideas that you have shared; those not only help parents understand their children but also provide nutrition to the kids.
Cindy I was a complan girl and aware of the benefits it offers but in the whole content the point that dragged my attention was FORCE-FEEDING SHOULD BE STOPPED. As you are a very experienced mom I need your advice on a serious note on this. I am fedup with my son’s food habits and really confused what he likes and what he dislikes, he is 2 years. In last 15 days just as u said I dont force him to eat and If i finally dont do it he is OK with it and just drinking water and juice. I am confused what’s the issue…. plz help
If it’s fresh juice, let him have it. It’s healthy. Maybe he loves a particular type of food that he had come across recently. Like till last week, my son would keep away from mango because he tasted one type of mango that he didn’t like. He sees me having mango everyday and now he also takes a few bites from me. He still refuses to eat them by himself. So you just need to have some patience. Kids are different. They have a mind of their own. We should just patiently guide them. Get on WhatsApp for more gyan.. heehhe
Your article is a treasure trove of ideas that are both nutritious and kid-approved. The practical tips and creative meal ideas ensure that healthy eating is fun and accessible for every family. It’s an invaluable resource for parents striving to provide wholesome meals without the hassle.
Thats like conscious eating for kids. The right nutrients and protein should be part of their daily diet. Complan is one of the good drink. Infact kids snacks should contain more proteins like meat and soya sandwiches, paneer rolls etc
What a fantastic post! I’m sure busy parents are always on the lookout for simple and nutritious recipes for kids. The ideas you’ve shared, especially the protein-packed snacks, are just what they need. Thank you for making healthy eating so easy and delicious!
Proteins are building blocks and are vital for growing children. Getting the essential nutrients is important for the child’s all-round growth and development. But that is easier said than done. getting children to take something healthy for them is challenging. One needs to make their diet fun so that they consume essential nutrients.
Oh yes, very sensible advice! I love the ‘stop force-feeding’ one so much. We are so caught up in blindly ensuring that our children’s stomachs are always full, we forget we are doing something totally wrong! Short, crisp, yet important article.
How do you draw the line between force-feeding and necessary feeding? I’ve always wondered about that. Our parents, the generation before us I mean, always had this habit of ‘eat everything on your plate’ or ‘itna to khaana hi chahiye baccho ko’
Great post as always, but I’m just curious how new-age parents are dealing with this now?
First understand their hunger. Then feed them healthy foods and they will surely get used to it (only when they are hungry). Stop when done. You will understand soon.
Keep junk away.
It is important to inculcate healthy eating habits in children. Eat healthy food together to make children pick up healthy food items first.
Supplements like Complan help fulfil any gap between the nutrients required and the nutrients consumed.
Certainly force feeding isn’t a good idea. Also, adding nutritious food and drinks such as Complan is bound to be helpful.
This is a great article that helps parents with young kids. Many parents, unfortunately, adopt force-feeding to care and show affection. Living by example and communicating with children are great steps towards developing healthy food habits and interactions with kids.
Excellent article Cindy! It is the same thing that I tell parents who tell me their children are fussy eaters or don’t eat much.
Leading by example, having meals together, innovating dishes, and not force feeding are great ways to encourage the child to eat healthy food.
Thanks, Preeti!
When we were kids we used to have bournvita. When I became a mother, I started to have mother’s horlicks cuz my mum asked me to(there were several things she wanted me to have but I obliged with horlicks in hot water only 😅). Although it tastes very bad without adding sugar I had kinda gotten used to it… hahaha. But I didn’t give any health drink to my kids. They already eat a chocolate piece once a day so I didn’t want that additional sugar. Like yours, my kids too eat less junk and thankfully they are not fussy eaters otherwise, so it’s a relief.
Limiting junk food while allowing occasional treats helps maintain a balanced approach to nutrition.
It’s encouraging to know that eating together can positively influence children’s eating habits.
Reminding kids about the benefits of healthy eating in a gentle way can make a big difference.
The article reinforces the importance of protein in children’s diets for building and repairing body tissues.
Complan seems like a convenient solution to ensure kids get their essential nutrients and protein.
Setting an example by eating healthy foods ourselves is a great strategy to encourage kids to follow suit.
Including diverse nutrients in a child’s diet ensures balanced growth and cognitive development.
I appreciate the reminder that forcing kids to eat can lead to negative food associations and habits.
The emphasis on building a strong nutritional foundation early on is crucial for kids’ growth.
It’s so important to remember that what children eat significantly impacts their development and health.