|
 Vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, ballast substances and so on - what is good for an adult should be present in the children's menu. But at the same time, they must also grow, get stronger, they indulge, make noise, and they need every drop of energy to fully perceive new impressions and make new discoveries. Therefore, the needs of a child are slightly different from those of adults when it comes to food. Those who, when cooking, often wonder what is important for children, will find below some useful information.
Vegetables and fruits? Milk and yogurt? Meat and fish? Many adults do not know what to choose when the question arises of what to cook for children and what foods are especially important. This question will clarify the "food pyramid" a little. In it, products are divided into three groups. A guiding thread that will not limit creativity in the kitchen, but will guide those who would like to prepare truly delicious and healthy meals for children every day.
Cooking for kids: the basics
The most important group of foods for children is plant-based foods: vegetables of all colors, fresh fruits, potatoes, noodles, salads, rice or bread should be present in the diet in large quantities every day. Of course, you need to be able to correctly mix them and combine them in a new way every time. Even from these products, you can prepare a huge number of dishes for children. In addition, children should drink a lot, ideally sugar-free fruit teas, fresh juices or water. Animal products should also be on the table regularly, although not in very large quantities. Meat for lunch about three times a week will be enough for the little ones, once a week you need to give them fish. Milk also belongs to animal products, not drinks. Sausage and cheese with bread are also good, but it is better to take whole grain bread, add a garnish of lettuce, tomatoes, radishes and cucumbers. It is not necessary to forbid children both fatty foods and sweets. You may be allowed to eat anything, but be careful to let them know when to stop and offer them alternative options, such as watermelons, apples, or strawberries, instead. Usually, these foods are just as delicious to children.
Don't buy only baby products
Parents should think twice before purchasing baby products. Manufacturers are trying to get adults and children to buy them with appropriate images and names. So, we are attracted to juice packs that say "fortified with vitamins", "baby pudding with healthy milk", or cookies with "nutritious grains". Often children's pictures, images of cartoon characters are printed on them. However, their content is often not that useful. In most cases, these products contain a lot of sugar or fat, sometimes even dyes, and besides, this food is much more expensive than anything else. Therefore, it is better not to buy it, trust only unprocessed products and use them to cook something for children. An example of a classic kids' meal: fish sticks can be made beautifully with salmon and tastes much better than store-bought ones.
Cooking for kids: the path to healthy eating is not easy
Of course, kids are curious. They enjoy trying any food, especially when parents, siblings, or friends eat them too. Still, if a child says, “I don’t like peppers anymore,” this is absolutely normal. It is harmless to them and their tastes can constantly change. If the child decisively declares that he will no longer eat any vegetables, then you need to seriously worry, but in no case put pressure on him. It is best to formulate the diet so that children receive the foods they need for growth in full.And all the time try to captivate the child with the game and quietly give him these hated vegetables. Only when children are well nourished will they perform well in sports and studies.
Mironova E.A.
|
