Childrens Diet Plans

Creating children’s diet plans could seem like a daunting task.... especially for parents who struggle with their weight or have a child who is starting to struggle with obesity.

Don't get disheartened... Statistically it is shown that more children develop obesity, where approximately 15.3% of children between the ages of 6-11 are overweight and 15.5% of adolescents; ages 12-19 are still struggling. Moreover 80% of adolescents aged 10-13 years remain obese as adults.

This is largely due to the fact of our thinking in society and the well established marketing of Fast Food outlets who promise quick and "healthy" options of getting our daily nutrition.

Most of these foods contain little real nutritional value. Being more conscientious about what you take in is the first big step.

So lead a good example - your children will learn your eating habits from an early age.

Start out by gaining knowledge in what foods are high in nutritional value and what to steer clear off and teach your child what is healthy and what is not.
Secondly limit Take-Outs to once a week or better once a month. Lastly keep a healthy emotional outlook on food and incorporate exercises and healthy planning of meals as a family activity.

Having that been said and done, consider the following main food groups that should be in your child’s diet daily, and create colorful and different meals from these each day.

MAIN FOOD GROUPS

Vitamins and Nutrients:   Salads and vegetables; Almost all the nutrients and vitamins our body needs are included in salad and vegetables. Leafy greens contains the most vitamins and anti-oxidants. Present salad and vegetables in there most raw form will help preserve its boosting qualities.

Calcium:  Diary and milk produce; Yogurt, skimmed milk and raw cheese are excellent sources of Calcium. Stay clear of over-processed cheese or cheese that has been heated up. These will contain more saturated fat which the body can't process and subsequently store as fat!

Protein:  Lean red meat, white meat and Tuna; Stick to lean red meat and white meat. Try to consume more white meat, as red meat almost always contains more fat than white meat. A cheap substitute for protein is boiled eggs and cooked lentils.

Omega-3 fatty acids:  Fish and more Fish; Fish is a great source for Omega-3 fatty acids, which by the way our own body can't produce out of other food sources. Include as many portions and variety which you can afford. Other great sources are Salmon, Cod and Tuna.

Carbohydrates:  Bread, Cereals and Pasta; Breads with low GI are best, e.g wholegrain. Cereals are a great way to start getting in carbohydrates so make it a must for breakfast. Pasta and pasta salads are a good way to fill one up and snacking on.

Sweets and Treats
Be discerning about the following foods: Sodas, Energy Drinks, Fruit Juices with sugar, preservatives ...

Happy meal planning to healthier diet plans for children

Here is a program with more information called... Slim Your Kids, or...

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