In challenging times like this, we know that your top priority is the health of your kids. Moms and dads are surely working round the clock to secure their homes from any sickness that may affect their family.
However, did you know that aside from religiously practicing proper hygiene at home, it is just as important to assist our kids in developing healthy eating habits? To achieve optimum health and immunity from illnesses, proper nutrition is key. This is what our Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Ms. Tara Tan, emphasizes when asked about how parents can keep their child strong, in the time of a pandemic.
To help you train your kids in maintaining a balanced diet as they grow, our health coach shared with us this quick guide! Discover more about your children’s nutrient needs as you read through.
PARENTS: WALK THE TALK
As your child’s best teacher, there’s no better way to educate your kids on eating healthy than by setting an example through your own behavior. In this way, kids — especially the observant preschoolers — can mimic what you practice.
“Modelling plays an important role when it comes to kids’ nutrition. Kids don’t do what they’re told; they do what they see and what we do as parents,” Ms. Tara explained.
As the foolproof saying goes, practice what you preach. Show them that eating colorful fruits and veggies, staying hydrated, and moderating junk foods can also be fun and filling!
COMPLETE & BALANCED
The most convenient source of nutrients is from the food they intake. While fast and easy food options cannot be avoided at times, it is still important to monitor the nutritional value of the food we give our kids to avoid malnutrition. It is necessary for growing kids to get the right amount of all the essential vitamins and minerals daily.
According to our health coach, kids need the following essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients on a daily basis to get complete nutrition: Protein, Carbohydrates, healthy fats, Calcium, Iron, Folate, Fiber, and Vitamins A and C.
As recommended by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Institute (DOST-FNRI), parents should serve the Pinggang Pinoy to ensure that children get balanced nourishment in every meal. Here’s how the plate should be proportioned by food group: ¼ grow, ¼ go, and ½ glow foods. Voila! The ideal food plate for your kids!
INTRODUCE PLANT-BASED OPTIONS
“Milk is one of the most nutrient-dense foods for kids. Aside from serving go-grow-glow foods to your kids everyday, DOST-FNRI’s Pinggang Pinoy also recommends that kids drink one glass of milk a day.,” Ms. Tara added.
However, we understand that some children experience lactose intolerance — a case where a person is having difficulties digesting sugar or lactose in milk. This can result in bloating or diarrhea after consuming dairy products.
Dairy drinks are a good source of calcium, but lactose-intolerant kids should not worry as there are many alternatives to dairy milk that could provide your body its much needed calcium and much more. Take for example soymilk – a healthy and delicious alternative! It is a plant-based and lactose-free milk with less calories and contains no trans-fat, which is the worst kind of fat.
According to Ms. Tara, soymilk is also a good source of Vitamin D for the bones, potassium for the kidneys, and fiber for better digestion.
VITAMILK: NUTRITION MADE EASY
In terms of nutrient-packed food choices, Vitamilk Double Choco Shake is a sure winner! It contains Protein to strengthen your kids’ muscles, B vitamins to boost their energy, and Omega 3-6-9 to support brain development.
Aside from being a safe alternative to cow’s milk, Vitamilk is also the excellent choice for picky eaters. Kids will easily fall in love with its soy chocolatey goodness. Nutrition and delectable taste in one!
No matter how hectic your schedule may be, make sure that healthy snacks for your young ones are always within reach. Make sure there’s Vitamilk Double Choco Shake at home! With its soy chocolatey goodness and its unique Fills Good Formula, you’re assured that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy its delectable taste while receiving the strength-filling, growth-giving, and mind-boosting nutrients that they need to keep their bodies strong and their minds sharp!
ABOUT VITAMILK
Vitamilk is the all-natural, protein-rich and best-tasting soymilk that’s filled with vitamins and minerals to revitalize the whole family. When you need a good boost any time of the day, Vitamilk’s healthy, filling energy will surely go a long way. Choose from a wide variety of delicious flavors (Double Choco Shake, Original, Banana, Strawberry, Energy / Multi-grain and Choco Shake) and pack sizes (300ml disposable glass bottles, 250ml and 200ml baon packs, 1 Liter packs and 200ml returnable glass bottles). Available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and sari-sari stores near you.
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