ALL NATURAL ADVANTAGE

Natural Healthcare And Advice

The Importance Of Healthy Eating In Growing Children

•    Children need large amounts of energy and nutrients to meet their needs for growth and repair.

•    Developing good eating habits when young increases the chances of having good eating habits when they get older.

•    Healthy eating reduces the chance of suffering diet related diseases later in life.

Research findings into the rate of childhood obesity are cause for alarm as 20-25% of Australian children are considered to be overweight or obese. New research has found that almost one in three 12 and 13 year olds skipped breakfast, while seven in 10 children visited at least one fast-food outlet every week. Herald Sun, 19/07/04. Children aged between six and thirteen are more likely to eat biscuits, chips, chocolates and lollies than fruit. One time party or treat foods are now part of children’s regular daily diets.

Fussy Eaters

Fussy eaters can try the patience of any parent. Here are a few suggestions that can be tried. Unfortunately there is no easy solution, only perseverance to slowly win them over.  

•    It may take up to 10 repeated presentations of a particular food before a child starts eating it

•    Provide small, regular meals and snacks

•    Disguise vegetables in mince, stews, quiche and soups

•    Feed children early before they get tired

•    Don’t use dessert or treats as rewards

•    Praise behaviours you want. Don’t criticise

•    Get dad and siblings to eat the food first

•    A taste is OK

•    Limit milk or juice to after meal-times

Some Snack Ideas For Children

•    Popcorn, a popcorn maker is a great investment

•    Assorted vegetables with dips

•    Seasonal fruit, chose smaller sized fruit for children

•    Yoghurt, plain or with fruit

•    Baked beans on toast

•    Low-fat whole wheat crackers with cheese

•    Smoothies

•    Custard with fruit

•    Breakfast cereals that are low in sugar (e.g. Weetbix), initially may have to use Coco Pops as a ‘garnish’ if they are resistant.

•    Trail nut and seed mix (only if no known allergies to nuts)

An alarming prospect to consider is that some experts are now saying that for the first time in recorded history, children will have shorter life spans than their parents. Interestingly, McDonald’s France ran an advertisement in 2002 saying that children should not eat McDonald’s more than one a week.

For advice or to book a consultation for your child call (03) 8802 7687 or email me.

Always seek a consultation with a qualified practitioner first before trying any new treatments.

Natural therapies through a qualified practitioner, specialising in your disorder, provides safe and effective treatments that work.

Disclaimer

This website has no financial connection to the supplement or health products industry.

The information on this website is provided as a guide to your healthcare options only.  The All Natural Advantage website makes no statements, representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of, and should not be relied on as a sole source of information.  We take no responsibility or liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any expenses, losses, damages or costs you might incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason including but not limited to, you deciding whether or not to choose specific treatment based on the information.

Please contact me or another qualified health professional before embarking on any health treatment program

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Last modified: 05/28/08