New Delhi: For parents, as a child grows, it is time to pay attention to his/her eating habits that can help them in the future. It is necessary to make sure that the child adheres to good eating habits and stays healthy. Consult an expert who will guide you regarding proper nutrition for your 7-year-old. In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Nishant Bansal, Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, spoke about the right nutrition for children, especially at a nascent age.
Prompt nutrition is essential for a 7-year-old child. At the age of seven, both mental and physical development happen in children. The right kind of nutrition is important when it comes to staying energized, concentrating, and maintaining immunity. Good eating habits in children should be inculcated right from childhood, as they will go a long way even during adulthood. Proper nutrition will help to prevent obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure in adulthood.
Right Nutrition for Your 7-Year-Old
- Children should eat a balanced diet. Key nutrients like iron from beans, folate from greens and citrus, calcium from milk and yogurt, selenium from nuts and eggs, vitamin C from fruits, vitamin D from sunlight and fish, and B vitamins from grains and vegetables, which are essential to support healthy growth, strong bones, immunity, and energy.
- Parents must ensure that the child drinks enough water, limit sugary, processed, and oily foods to maintain an optimum weight, and prevent energy crashes. Give children chaas, ninbu pani, coconut water, and soups to keep them hydrated.
- The children should opt for small, frequent meals rather than large portions to aid digestion and nutrient absorption. Parents should ensure the child’s plate is colourful and balanced for their children. Prompt nutrition is associated with growth, immunity, and improved school performance.
- So, children should make sure to eat at least one fruit every day and have milk and nuts for snacks.
Parents should not get confused and seek help from an expert who will help them understand what to eat and what to delete from the diet. So, it is time for parents to help the child stay healthy.
Building healthy eating habits at the age of seven lays the foundation for a child’s long-term health and well-being. Parents play a critical part when it comes to encouraging the child to have balanced meals, regular hydration, and nutritious snacks. The child should bid adieu to junk and processed foods. A supportive home environment where healthy foods are easily available can help children make better choices and improve their quality of life. The parents can set a good example for the child when they themselves adhere to healthy eating practices. Also, regular monitoring of a child’s growth and timely consultation with the doctor can further ensure that the child receives the right nutrition needed for healthy growth and strong immunity.