6 tips for kids to enjoy summer foods

Summers are a time for children to go out and make the most of their vacations. They spend hours in the sun, playing to their heart’s content. But the summer heat can cause sunburn, dehydration or stroke. Children might not be consuming the same amount of energy that they are losing. Lack of energy and loss of appetite makes them even more frustrated and agitated. Dehydration is another matter of concern. Keeping all these factors in mind, the child must consume a diet full of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Children engage in a lot of physical activities and it is important to make sure that they eat right.

While parents want their kids to have fun and play in the sun, they also need to focus on the kinds of food that their child is consuming. To ensure that the child is active and energetic, a nutritious diet has to be followed. Here are 6 tips for you to make sure that your kid gets a healthy diet and enjoys what they are eating:

A heavy breakfast: Most people tend to skip their breakfast under the light that they don’t have an appetite so early in the morning or simply because they are running late, unaware of how it is the most important meal of the entire day. A good and heavy breakfast ensures that your body is better prepared for the day so that you are more active and function effectively. Kids need to maintain high energy levels and encouraging them to eat breakfast proves beneficial. It keeps them more active and helps concentrate better. Starting your child’s day with a bowl of cereal, fresh fruits or vegetable sandwiches is a great initiative to boost their energy level.

Drink it up: It is important to take fluids regularly especially in summers. During all the heat, your body perspires and loses a lot of water. Make drinking fun for your kid by making smoothies and vegetable juices. Coconut water is also a healthy option. Children tend to forget or even skip drinking water. Parents need to keep a check on how much water their child is drinking.

Healthy snacking: Snacking is an essential element of the diet. Children tend to enjoy different food items each day. Keep in mind that the snacks need to be nutritious and not just high in energy. Be aware of your child’s likes and dislikes and look for healthy and nourishing recipes. To ensure that your child is active, allow them to enjoy some snacks that are tasty as well as nutritious.

Make a routine: Taking meals in the appropriate amount and at the right time is extremely essential. Set timings for all the meals and make sure you and your child adhere to those timings. Take small portions but see that your child is not starving. Keep a significant time gap between the meals and ensure that the child isn’t overeating.

Fruits all the way: Fruits are indispensable. A healthy diet will include some kind of fruit. Not only do they provide you with various vitamins, but they also keep the body hydrated. Fruits can also act as an alternative to healthy snacks. A slice of watermelon, mango, orange, melon, papaya, and litchi can be enjoyed by children.

Avoid soft drinks and fast food: While soft drinks might prove to be refreshing and can be enjoyed by the child, it can cause serious health issues. Consumption of soft drinks daily can put the child at risk of various diseases. On the other hand, fast food contains oily substances and bad carbohydrates that can accumulate fat in the child’s body.

Over to you

For the effective implementation of these tips, practice these food habits with your child. Be a good role model and teach your child the importance of healthy eating.