The most rapid growth of body and brain is experienced during the teenage years. Developmental scientists agree that good nutrition plays an important role in sustaining and building healthy growth and development during these years. As children grow, their bones and organs develop and the immune system is being made stronger. To meet their nutritional needs, a good diet for children should include enough protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
The American Heart Association recommends that you give your child just enough calories to maintain a healthy body weight while supporting growth and development. Each meal should include fiber, along with fruits and vegetables. It also recommends drinking 1 to 3 glasses of milk a day, and eating foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. Fish (not fried) should be included in the diet at least once a week.
Teaching your children about good nutrition is important as the world outside your home is inundated with less healthy food choices. School cafeterias serve hamburgers, french fries, and sugary snacks. Even if there are vegetables, schools do not mandate that they be eaten by students.
Educating children when they are young to make healthy food choices can be an education for life and is more likely to keep them healthy even when they grow old. We must also remember that our bodies easily get addicted to the foods we eat. If your child is used to eating junk food, his body will crave for more of that. Introducing a variety of foods to children at an early age can help children develop different tastes for different foods and acquire healthy eating habits.
However, putting facts into practice is a different story. Our lives are busy. We often are not able to put square meals on the table and find ourselves resorting to convenient foods or package lunches which have little nutritive value. Especially challenging can be children who are poor or picky eaters. Mothers know only too well. As soon as a child's taste buds become active, we find ourselves in a battle of wills with our children! We want them to eat what is nutritionally good for them and they find innumerably creative ways to fully demonstrate their resistance!
That is why supplementing your child's diet can be a wise choice. You can rest assured knowing your child is receiving all the adequate nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. Chewable vitamins are a good way to make sure your child receives essential vitamins necessary for healthy vision, for the body to develop properly, to make strong bones and connective tissue, to build a strong immune system so that the body can fight infection, to heal wounds, for healthy blood clotting, and to keep their teeth healthy and strong.
Supplements like Omega 3 are essential for optimal brain functioning and cognitive development such as reading, spelling and visual recognition memory. In addition, Omega 3 supports virtually every other cell, tissue and organ in young, developing bodies. Researchers recognize its importance in eye tissue development, especially the retina. And, it naturally supports healthy skin, hair, nails, joints and bones; plus a healthy hormonal balance, cardiovascular health and immune system functioning.
Calcium is an important mineral children need for healthy bones and teeth. Include plenty of milk and dairy products in your child's diet. The best source of calcium is from food, but most children do not get enough through diet alone. Liquid calcium supplements are a highly absorbable from of the mineral calcium. However, be certain that the formula also contains magnesium, phosphorous and Vitamin D which aid in the body's absorption of calcium; plus they support various other body functions. It can be taken plain or added to your child's favorite beverage.

Autor: New Vitality Editorial Team

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