Child nutrition is a very important issue especially for parents since by ensuring that your child gets the children the correct amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, they would grow into healthy and active individuals well equipped to face the challenges of life in school and outside the protective boundaries of home.

The importance of proper nutrition for growing children cannot be understated since healthy child nutrition is one of the anchors of a well developed individual. Lack of proper nutrients inhibits a child’s physical and mental development because the lack of vitamins and minerals is a definitive factor in poor growth processes and health problems later in life. It is therefore very important for your child’s nutrition to be properly monitored for the correct balance of healthy foods and the right nutrients.

By ensuring your child’s proper Protein-Carbohydrate-Fat (PCF) intake, you are ensuring his health later on in his adult life. But how do we know which type of food to give our children?

Depending on your child’s age, pediatricians can advise you of the total amount of calories per day that is necessary for your growing child. For instance, if the pediatrician tells you that the daily calorie intake of your child should be set at a maximum of 2000 calories, then you can design a nutrition program around this figure. Since a balanced and healthy diet is necessary, you can use the average PCF intake formula 50-30-20 for your child. All his meals should consist of 50% Protein, 30% Carbohydrates and 20% Healthy Fat!

Keep in mind, however, that not all carbohydrates are the same; there are simple and complex carbohydrates, and it is best to stick with the complex carbohydrates as these provide a better fuel source for your growing child. Healthy fats like olive oil and fish oil should account for 20% of their daily food intake as well.

DO not believe the misconception that all fats are unhealthy. However, make sure that your little one stays away from junk food like burgers, fries, hotdogs, doughnuts and white bread. Although these foods can fill you up, they have zero nutrient content and are contributory to the obesity phenomenon of children worldwide; make sure your child is not one of the statistics of these occurrence.

By giving your child enough whole wheat bread, fruits, vegetables, grains (rice, nuts, corn, etcetera), lean meat and fish – you can ensure your child’s nutrition is both healthy and balanced. Your child does not have to make a sacrifice as there equally yummy yet healthy foods that are available in almost all supermarket shelves nationwide.

This is the only way you can be sure that your growing children get the full range of important nutrients they require to sustain their growth, development and energy levels.