Being a parent is not an easy job, in fact, to say it honestly, it is one of the most difficult jobs. And to make sure that your kids eat well is one challenge faced by parents on a daily basis.
Due to the risk of COVID-19 in kids, it’s important to make sure that the kids eat well and have optimal immunity. A simple way to do this is by encouraging our kids to eat more whole foods instead of processed foods. But how exactly to do that? Here are some foods that you must feed your kids and how you can trick them into eating it.
Eggs
Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrients, which keep the heart, muscle and skin healthy. Vitamin A and B2 (Riboflavin) in eggs are essential for the growth and development of kids. Calcium absorption and bone development are ensured by vitamin D present in it.
Best way and time to give your kids eggs
The best time to consume eggs is breakfast, lunch and supper. To make eggs more interesting, you can add bell peppers, mushrooms and other vegetables to them. You can cook them using butter and ghee. You can use different shapes mould to cook eggs to make them look more attractive to the kids.
Vegetables
Locally grown green leafy vegetables like curry leaves, drumsticks, coriander and palak must be included in your kid’s plate. These are rich in fibre, minerals, iron and zinc.
How to feed them to your kids
You can cut vegetables in different shapes and serve them to your kids. You can make bite-size snacks and serve them with hummus or homemade cheese dips.
Kids copy what they see, so make sure you include a variety of green vegetables on your plate too.
Curd
Rich in probiotics and vitamin B12, curd helps stop the colonisation of the bad bacteria in the stomach and thus boosts immunity.
How to feed your kids
Instead of serving plain curd, give your kids fruit yogurt, vegetables raita or boondi raita.
Turmeric
The curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that daily consumption of turmeric is beneficial in treating asthma, allergies, and various other conditions.
How to feed it to your kids
You can add turmeric to their milk, curries, and subji, as we do for ourselves.
Dry fruit, Seeds & Nuts
Cashews, almonds, figs, raisins, walnuts, and apricots are rich in essential fatty acids, which boost immunity and aid brain development.
How to feed them to your kids
You can make nut powders and add them to soups and rice preparation.
Special Tips
– Do not feed your kids too much sugar as it can hamper immunity. Avoid sugar-based foods like sweets, sauces, fruit juices, packaged snacks, and chocolates.
– Maintain good sleep hygiene and inculcate sunlight exposure habits in them.