Eating habits follow a child for life, which is why starting sound eating habits at young age is critical. Not only is eating properly necessary for growing bodies, the right nutrition can maintain a smile healthy and strong.
Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia family dentist, provides a proper nutrition guide to help parents and kids eat a little smarter to ensure your teeth and bodies become fortified daily.
What Your Children Need to Eat
- Fruits and veggies. Throughout the day, at least half of your kids meals and snacks should consist of fruits vegetables. Once your child is able to eat solid foods, start introducing to healthy flavors. Items like carrots, apples, squash, and tomatoes each classify as sound healthy choices.
- Grains. Alongside fruits and veggies, approximately a fourth of your child’s daily food intake should consist of whole grains. This includes, whole wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain pastas. Ward off eating processed white breads, rice, and pastas since those have been stripped of their nutrients. Though many vitamins have been added after the fact, it’s best to stick to whole grain foods instead.
- Dairy. Try balancing in a little dairy at each meal. Whether your child drinks milk with supper or has yogurt as a snack, dairy everyday is a must. Furthermore, when you give your child dairy products, try to choose low-fat or fat-free varieties.
For kids who have lactose allergies, you can swap milk products for soy, almond, and rice based dairy alternatives. - Lean meats. As for meats, it’s best to stick to the leaner varieties, such as: skinless chicken, fish, and leaner cuts of beef. If you can, your Livonia family dentist suggests incorporating about eight ounces worth of seafood into weekly meals.
Additionally, if your family chooses to follow a vegetarian diet, your child can receive their protein from eggs, beans, and legumes. However, using alternatives to protein like the aforementioned ones is great for any diet.
Children’s Dentist Provides Children’s Dental Care
For more information on kids nutrition, talk to Dr. Stewart. He can suggest the proper dietary choices for your children that promote healthy bodies and smiles. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia family dentist, call (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.