A balanced diet is essential to prevent several diseases in the future, such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, various types of cancer, stroke, among others. Therefore, it is essential that parents teach their children good nutritional habits from an early age. Karyn Reyna, our clinic’s nutritionist, shares some recommendations for children to adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet from an early age.

• Consider in the diet these 3 macronutrients. These are protein, carbohydrates, and lipids. For example, a plate of lentils with rice, avocado and egg has all the necessary nutrients to recover lost energy in a healthy way.
• It is essential for parents to set an example. Therefore, at home, the consumption of vegetables and fruits should be prioritized and foods rich in fats, refined carbohydrates and processed sweets should be avoided.
• Prevent children under 2 years of age from consuming refined sugar. Honey and panela are good options to sweeten drinks.
• Get your children used to trying different dishes. If you want your children to eat everything and stay healthy, you should teach them from an early age to try different foods so that their palate gets used to a variety of flavors and seasonings.
• Include a generous serving of vegetables and plain water. Vegetables are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are fundamental for the proper growth and development of children. On the other hand, natural water is essential for maintaining adequate hydration, which contributes to optimal body function and skin health.
• Respect the home menu. In that sense, you should avoid preparing special dishes for the little ones, because in the long run this will become a bad habit.
• Complement a good diet with physical exercise. Regular exercise will help your little ones maintain good physical, mental and cardiovascular health. Statistics reveal that more than 80% of adolescents do not get enough exercise. As we know, people who are physically active on a regular basis are less likely to suffer from various conditions.

Remember:

Putting these tips into practice will help strengthen your children’s immune system, promote digestive health, control their weight, and establish healthy eating habits from an early age.