What Toddlers Need For Optimum Growth

What our kids eat has always been important for us to know. However in the light of an accelerating global obesity and overweight epidemic there is all the reason for parents and caregiver to take more seriously what their kids eat on a day to day basis. An increasing number of children is becoming obese at an early age resulting in the widespread problem of childhood obesity. Childhood obesity has been linked to type 2 diabetes in the UK, the United States and even in prospering China. When parents and caregivers know what toddlers must eat for optimum growth we create a new and important way of fighting and preventing childhood obesity in the coming years. Every toddler needs some essential nutrients for optimum growth. These are found in a variety of foods and these should be part of their regular if not daily diet. Protein Critical for toddler brain development it is delivered by foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt. Fish, eggs, beans and soy also form an important dietary supplement for protein. Protein also gives our toddlers energy and regulates blood sugar levels to ensure they do not drop too low. Typically in a home setting you may include protein at the meal table as well as part of snacks at different parts of the day. Zinc When you include mushrooms, soybeans, meats and organ meats in what your toddler eats you are also supplying them with some well needed zinc. Zinc will aid your child's immune system to make it stronger and fight infections. It will also help in sexual development and reproduction. Calcium Very important in your toddler's development. Calcium should however be given in moderation and should not exceed the recommended 800mg each day. This is because in excess it negatively impacts the absorption of iron which is essential for blood health. The most common source of calcium is milk. This is apart from sweet potatoes, salmon, and whole wheat bread. Vitamin C Important in the absorption of iron , important for capillaries and teeth vitamin c is supplied by fruits such as banana, strawberries, citrus fruits such as oranges. Vitamin C is good against colds in toddlers as well. There are various other essential nutrients that you should be aware of that your toddler child requires for optimum growth. These will include vitamin B for proper heart and muscle functioning, Omega fatty acids for brain functioning, concentration and general well-being of your child, vitamin D for bones and normal growth as well as folate which plays an important role in development of genetic material within body cells. It is also important for parents to realize that toddlers may sometimes reject these healthy foods that you might prepare for them. There is absolutely no need for offense as this is particularly normal for this age group. Toddlers are naturally picky eaters. This is scientifically explained by the fact that they need less food after a year of accelerated growth and therefore appetite decreases. Toddlers are also generally explorers they want to be mobile and investigate. They become disinterested in food for that reason.