The National Institutes of Health (NIH) report that poor eating habits can cause children to be at risk of developing malnutrition. Malnutrition is a serious medical condition that involves the body lacking enough nutrients. Malnutrition can easily lead to fatigue, weight loss, mental disorientation and even death. Poor eating habits can also lead to children developing health complications like obesity, heart disease or diabetes in youth or later in life.
Identification
Medline Plus reports that children should eat five servings of vegetables and fruits every day. You should offer your children healthy food sources of protein, including nuts, eggs and lean meats. Provide children whole-grain cereals and breads to ensure they receive enough fiber. Medline Plus recommends steaming, broiling or grilling food for children instead of frying food. Limit the amount of fast food and junk food you give your children. Provide your children milk and water rather than sodas and sugary fruit drinks.
Features
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that children should eat a variety of food items, including fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, proteins, dairy products and fats. The exact amount of each of these food categories children should consume, however, depends on the gender, age and physical activity level of the individual child. My Pyramid, a USDA website provides information on how much of each food category a child should eat based on these specific factors (see Resources).
Significance
NIH reports that it is particularly important for children to consume enough calcium while young in order to develop strong and healthy bones and teeth. Milk and other dairy products are excellent sources of calcium. If your child is lactose intolerant (cannot digest dairy products), there are other ways to ensure he receives enough calcium. You can provide calcium-rich vegetables including mustard greens, broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts. You can also feed your children high-calcium beans like black turtle beans and navy beans. Soy and rice-based drinks are another option. You can also purchase lactose-free milk, cheese and yogurt.
Considerations
NIH provides several healthy snack suggestions to replace junk foods that children normally enjoy (such as fattening chips, cookies and candies). You can give your child dried fruit and nuts. Fruit (either plain or with low-fat yogurt) is another healthy snack item. Other healthy snack ideas include whole-grain crackers, rice cakes and whole-grain bread served with fruit spread, almond butter or peanut butter, low-fat cheese or soy nut butter.
Prevention/Solution
According to the National Institutes of Health and KidsHealth.org, parents have a big impact upon children's eating habits. NIH and KidsHealth.org both suggest that parents serve as role models of healthy eating by eating well yourself. Parents should consume plenty of fruits and vegetables and cut down on eating junk foods themselves to encourage your children to do the same.
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