A child's first experiences affect their food choices later, so it's important to pay attention to how they first deal with food, because Fitness Garage tries to spread healthy living habits among everyone, In this article, we'll learn some steps that will help you get your child used to a healthy lifestyle from early childhood.
What foods should I give my child at the start?
When your child reaches 6 months, you should start introducing some foods along with baby formula and breast milk, There’s no set order, but test their food preferences. Let them taste different foods suitable for them. After two months, your child needs some minerals and vitamins from food to grow healthy in both mind and body.
Try to make a colorful plate for your kid made of:
- Fruit: Bananas, strawberries, oranges, watermelon, and avocado.
- Vegetables: Cooked spinach, sweet potatoes, boiled beets.
- Whole grains: Bread, pasta, and biscuits made from whole grains.
- Meat: A small soft piece of beef or turkey, or fish.
- Dairy products: Yogurt and cheese (only pasteurized).
Drinks that are also important for your child:
When your child is between 6 months and a year you can give:
1-Water: Offer them one to 3 cups a day.
2-Breast milk (You shouldn't stop breastfeeding your baby during this time).
Foods you should avoid:
There are some foods and drinks you should avoid giving your child, such as:
1- Honey
2- Unpasteurized drinks and foods: These can cause serious diarrhea for the child.
3- Cow's milk: It can cause intestinal bleeding in the child.
4- Juices: Doctors advise that children shouldn’t drink juices or any drink with a high sugar content.
You should be a good role model:
When your child turns one, they will start eating the foods you eat, so you should follow a healthy diet, to get used to this type of food. It's important for both kids and adults to avoid foods and drinks with high sodium, added sugars, or preservatives. Your child's diet supports their growth and should include all the vitamins and minerals their body needs. Remember, a healthy diet protects against many diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and insulin resistance.
