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Children while young may not look like they have health challenges. Not all children that eat refined or processed foods are overweight. However, you may see other health problems develop. Your child may be suffering from frequent ear infections, a cold or sore throat that seems to never quit go away or they may have persistent sinus or upper respiratory allergies and infections or digestive issues such as stomach cramping, constipation or diarrhea. They may have behavior problems at school or they may lack the ability to concentrate during school. This can happen when the body is nutrient deficient and canÂ’t build a strong body or build a strong immune system. One fact you can bank on, a diet consistent in refined and processed foods will put your children at a very high risk for a future filled with adverse health conditions and diseases.
The Influence of a MotherÂ’s Health
The health of a child actually begins before conception! If a mother has been getting good nutrition and has been taking care of herself, her baby will have the best chance of being born healthy, has less risk of birth defects and future childhood and adult illness. Research has actually shown us that the health of the mother influences her child all through their life even through their adult years. If you are in child bearing years, your health is very important for both you and your baby. To build a great body for you and your child, make sure you are exercising and getting great nutrition.
The nutritional needs for children are different from those for adults. As they mature and graduate into adolescence, their nutritional needs will change again. ItÂ’s important to make sure children are getting great nutrition to build a healthy brain, strong muscles and bones. In addition, exercise and physical activity are very important for the health of your children. They need to be involved in physical activities like soccer, baseball, gymnastics, volleyball, after school programs at your local health club or YMCA. Make family activities a priority each week. As a family take walks, go on picnics, explore trails, and go to your nearest playground and play together,
As parents, you must lead the way for your children; you must set the example for them.It doesnÂ’t make sense for you to be making healthy changes for your children and not for yourself, it will not work.The best way to make sure your children are getting adequate nutrition is to feed them wholesome foods that build health. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds are loaded with health building carbohydrates, fats, protein and powerful antioxidants and other phytonutrients. If selecting meats, use free range turkey and chicken, if selecting fish, use wild caught cold water fish like salmon, halibut, cod, Alaskan whiting and tuna.
Brain, skeletal and muscle-building nutrients are vital for a young body. Healthy fats, including some saturated fats, are critical for brain development. The Omega families of fats are considered essential fatty acids because they are important for health and are only achieved through our diet.
Most Americans are deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon, flax seeds and walnuts are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Very good sources of these healthy fats include scallops, cauliflower, cabbage, cloves and mustard seeds. Good sources of these fats include halibut, shrimp, cod, tuna, soybeans, tofu, kale, collard greens, and Brussels sprouts.
Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Omega 6 fatty acids are very common in our diet and therefore is not an issue for the average person.
What foods should be avoided or limited?
Source:http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/DietNutrition/22525
· Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%.1,2 during this same time period.
Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.5
· Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.3,6
· Obese youth are more likely than youth of normal weight to become overweight or obese adults, and are therefore more at risk for associated adult health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.6
Source:http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/obesity/
The Nutritional Basics for a Healthy Child
A healthy diet helps children grow and learn. It also helps prevent obesity and weight-related diseases, such as diabetes. The following guidelines will help you give your child a nutritious diet:
As a parent, learn about your childÂ’s nutrient requirements. Some of them, such as the requirements for iron and calcium, change as your child ages.
Source:http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/DietNutrition/22525
Video 1 Disguise Healthy Foods
Video 2 Food Games, Smoothies, Tricks
Video 3 Easy Ways to Get Vegetables into Your Child's Diet
Video 4 Make Eating Healthy Fun!
Video 5 How to Handle a Picky Eater
Age |
Energy |
Protein |
|
k. cal |
g |
||
Children |
4-6 |
1,800 |
30/24 |
7-10 |
2,400/ 2,000 |
36/28 |
|
Males |
15-18 |
3,000 |
54/59 |
Females |
15-18 |
2,100 |
48/44 |