Feed Your Kids with Proper Nutritional Requirement for their Steady Growth
We always wonder why mothers are constantly concerned about their child’s relationship with food, aren’t we? Why do they keep asking the same question about having food, every day? Well, to be honest, when I was young, I had similar thoughts. But, now that I have become a full-time working mommy, I understand the importance of nutrition for a child’s development. Nowadays I look for nutritional drinks for my kid .
Recently, I had been invited to Grow Right meetup where I got a chance to exchange parenting experiences with the well-known, Bollywood actress, Lara Dutta, fellow influencers and pediatricians as well. We had a well-informed discussion about the significance of nutrition for children, physical activities, and the relationship of the child with their parents.
The gorgeous star mom, Lara Dutta bestowed her personal experiences on the journey of ‘being a mommy’. One of the famous Hosts and the emcee of the Grow Right discussion panel, Sachin Kumbar shared the challenges of parenthood and explained the difficulties that every mum has to go through while raising a child. Then, Dr. Mukesh Sanklecha, a renowned Child Specialist, elaborated the nutritional concerns a mother has for the proper growth of her child. A Nutritional expert, Dr. Dharini Krishnan, and Pediatrician, Dr. Samir Dalwai highlighted the importance of playing outdoors and how to deal with their behavioral problems for their overall development.
From what I have learnt throughout my journey of being a mommy and also the guidance of the specialists from the meetup, I have decoded some of the formulas that have helped me to match the nutritional requirement to fuel up the toddler’s growth and development. Just like adults, kids need the combination of balanced carbohydrates, fats, protein along with vitamins and minerals in their food. Nutritional drinks can make up for this loss in daily food.
So, check out these tips that might help you to give them wholesome nutritious food and learn the relationship of nutrition with the physical as well as mental development of your child.
a) Avoid eating out as often as possible
Food markets are filled with ready-to-cook or ready-to-eat packets that are combined with unhealthy fats and nutrition. Try to make home-cooked meals for your kids packed with green vegetables. Experiment with different flavors or toppings that might develop their taste and support their physical system for growth.
Recently, I discovered one of the best nutritional drinks in the market, Pediasure. Earlier, as I have told you that it has been recommended by the Pediatrician. The nutrition in this bottle has helped my daughter to gain healthy weight and enhanced her immune system. I would recommend Pediasure healthy and nutritional drink to all the mothers out there.
b) Select meals by reading out the labels
With the growing trend of online food delivery, children are more interested to eat burgers and pizzas. I understand that sometimes outings can get a little tricky with food restriction. So, if you are planning a vacation or day out with your family, then look for the healthy options like idli-sambhar, egg sandwich or maybe a banana smoothie. It will not only make their tummy full for longer hours but provide them with complete nutrition.
c) Stick to proper meal times and create a feeding schedule
Healthy meals at structured timings improve your kid’s body and mind growth. Each mealtime should have a difference of at least 4 hours. It will have a great impact on physical and emotional development.
d) Encourage them to start a physical activity
Physical activity is a very crucial part our growing right. Rather than forcing my daughter to play by herself, I free up some time in my schedule to play with her every day. It is important for a kid to get at least 3 hours of play everyday.
e) Dealing with the child’s tantrums
This might be one of the toughest topics when it comes to guiding for parenthood. It can be a little tricky for sure. There is a very thin line between making them understand what’s wrong and right or howling at them for their mistakes. So, always try to have a calm discussion with them. Also, try to include them in small household activities like setting up the table, bringing their own plate and cleaning the mess after.
Parenting is a roller coaster journey. You can never become an expert on the topic of parenthood just by reading articles and books. You will get better when you experience it. Also, don’t be afraid to take guidance and advice from the Paediatrician.
Overall, the Grow Right event was an insightful one!