Foods to avoid for children
01 January 2024When it comes to feeding children, it is important to ensure that they receive a healthy and balanced diet to enable them to grow and develop optimally. However, there are some things to avoid to ensure their health and well-being.
Here are some foods to avoid for children up to the age of 12 (and over):
◆ Sugary drinks: sodas, fruit juices and energy drinks are high in added sugars and can contribute to obesity and cavities. Even natural fruit juices can be very sweet, so it is best to offer them water or milk.
◆ Processed foods and fast food: processed foods are often high in sodium, saturated fat and added sugars, which can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. In addition, they are often low in essential nutrients. Fast food is also high in calories and low in nutrition, so it is best to avoid it.
◆ Foods that can cause allergies: some children may be allergic to certain foods, such as nuts, eggs, milk or fish. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor or health professional before introducing new foods to your child's diet.
◆ Raw foods: some raw foods, such as raw greens and fruit, may contain bacteria that are harmful to children. Always make sure you wash food well before giving it to your child and cook it at a high enough temperature to eliminate any risk of contamination.
◆ Overly spicy foods: although spices are beneficial to long-term health, they can be too strong for children and irritate their digestive system. It is therefore best to limit the use of spices in children's diets until they are older and better able to tolerate them.
In contrast, the following are particularly recommended foods (excluding allergies):
► Vegetables and fruit: vegetables and fruit are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and can help prevent many diseases. Encourage children to eat a variety of different coloured vegetables and fruit each day.
► Whole grains: whole grains, such as wholemeal bread, brown rice and wholemeal pasta, are rich in fibre and essential nutrients. They can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent obesity.
► Lean proteins: lean proteins, such as fish, poultry, beans and lentils, are important for children's growth and development. They can help maintain muscle mass and strengthen bones.
► Dairy products: dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt and cheese, are rich in calcium and vitamins D and B12, which are important for healthy bones and teeth. They can also help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent obesity.
► Water: water is essential for everyone's health, but it is particularly important for growing children. Encourage children to drink water regularly to maintain hydration and avoid dehydration.
In conclusion, it is important to ensure that children have a healthy diet and to protect them from foods that may be harmful to their health. Avoid giving them overly processed foods, sugary drinks, foods that can cause allergies, raw foods and spicy foods to help them grow up healthy.
It is also important to remember that each child is unique and their dietary needs may vary depending on their age, size and activity level. If you are unsure about what is best for your child, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor or paediatrician.
MyNursery 2022
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