Grow Up Well Nourished -- Feed Strong Bodies and Minds
Food is an amazing thing. Its wide range of tastes and textures all serve very different functions. The right combination of foods can provide all the nutrients your child needs to develop a strong and healthy body and mind.
Fostering a love for a variety of foods is the best way to make sure your children get everything their bodies need to function at their best. Getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals is important, but be mindful of the amount of antioxidants, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fat your kids need every day.
The best way to encourage a diverse diet is to stock your kitchen with a wide array of healthy options and make sure all the food groups are covered daily.
The 3 T's of a Diverse Meal
Keep these 3 things in mind when planning meals:
- Tint -- The more colorful the plate, the greater the payoff.
- Texture -- Keep things crunchy with veggies, grains, seeds, and nuts.
- Taste -- Mix up the flavors by cooking with different herbs, spices, seasonings, and sauces.
Research reveals that children who eat the recommended number of daily servings of all the food groups -- vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, meat-based foods, and fats -- have:
- More consistent energy levels
- Greater focus and performance in school
- A reduced risk of developing diseases, such as asthma, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer in adulthood
RealAge Projection: If kids get into the habit of enjoying a diverse mix of foods, they're likely to maintain this eating style as adults. And by getting 4 servings of fruit and vegetables per day as an adult, they could look and feel as much as 4 years younger at age 40.
