Healthy Eating Habits For Your Child.

Of course you want good nutrition for your children. And you know that means making sure they're eating a balanced, healthy diet. But when you get nutrition advice from other parents, your pediatrician, and the media, it can be tough to decide which direction to follow.

A good place to begin sorting out the nutrition puzzle is to learn about the basics. Here, we lay out the details on five nutrients that a growing body has to have every day. A child with strong bones and teeth, a well-regulated digestive system, oxygen-rich blood, and healthy nutritional habits the child can carry throughout life.

Calcium: Calcium helps make strong bones and teeth, and this nutrient is most important during the years when bones are growing. Foods that are highest in calcium come from the cow -- low-fat milk, cheeses, and yogurt. But some leafy vegetables and fortified juices are also good sources of calcium. 

Fiber: My sons favorite is weetabix, he could do weetabix three times s day. Everyone, kids included, needs plenty of fiber a day to keep their digestive system working well. A bowl of high-fiber cereal is a great start to meeting your child's daily needs. Beans are loaded with fiber and protein. Whole fruits and vegetables contain much more fiber and less sugar than most juices.

Protein: Every cell in the body is made of protein, which makes this major nutrient essential for healthy growth and development. Protein is found in animal products such as dairy, beans, eggs, seafood, and meats. In somewhat lesser amounts, it is also in nuts, vegetables, and grains. Boost your child’s nutritional intake with protein-rich food.

Iron: Children's diets are often lacking in iron, a mineral that carries oxygen in the blood and helps keep kids energized. Boost the iron in your kids' diet with lean meats, eggs, fish, dark leafy greens, beans, dried fruits, and iron-fortified grains. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron, so pair eggs with oranges or orange juice.When kids refuse a meal, offer iron-fortified cereal topped with low-fat milk or yogurt and fruit as a healthy meal substitute.

Antioxidants superfood: Antioxidants help defend the body against harmful substances that can damage the body's cells. Power up your child's diet with foods rich in antioxidants, such as almonds,  citrus, carrots, spinach, plum and tomatoes. The more brightly colored, the more nutrient dense.  

Let's make a happy home by feeding our children healthy food and cut down on junk food completely, if you can.