Pediatric Dietary And Nutrition Guidance

Here’s what you should know about your child’s diet and nutrition.

We all know that nutrition is important for supporting a healthy body and mind, and growing children must be getting the vital nutrients they need from their diet. Of course, our Clarkston, GA, pediatricians also know that getting your child to eat those healthy foods isn’t always easy. Here’s some helpful dietary and nutritional guidance to support your child’s health and wellbeing.

Stay Away from Sugar, Especially Young Children 

We all know that sugar can be detrimental to health, and many packaged foods, even the ones that seem healthy, are often full of sugar. Children should never have sugar before two years old. Even after two years old, you should focus on healthy eating habits that limit sugar and junk food. While we get that everyone deserves treats every once in a while, junk food and sugar should never be the norm.

Here is What a Healthy Diet Should Look Like

A child’s diet should look very similar to an adult’s diet. It should consist of lean protein such as poultry, seafood and eggs, vegetables and fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy and healthy fats such as nuts, seeds and olive oil. Limit sugar and sodium. Your child’s plate should be 50 percent vegetables (and some fruit), 25 percent whole grains and slightly less than 25 percent protein.

Map Out Meals for the Week 

One of the biggest reasons families reach for a frozen meal or grab fast food for the family is a lack of time and planning. By mapping out and planning meals ahead, you won’t run into a food emergency. You can even make kids part of the process and have them help you prep healthy meals and snacks and get them excited. When you go to the grocery store, let them pick out the fruits and vegetables they want to try. Getting them involved in food shopping can make them more excited about eating healthy.

Here's How Much Your Child Should Eat 

If you are unsure whether your child’s current diet is providing them with everything they need, consult our Clarkston, GA, pediatricians for dietary and nutritional guidance. We can offer helpful tips, strategies and advice to ensure your child’s diet is helping them grow up big and strong. While kids don’t need to count calories, children between the ages of six and 12 should be getting between 1,600 to 2,200 per day based on their activity levels. If you are unsure whether your child is getting enough, you can always call and ask us.

Do you need dietary and nutrition guidance when it comes to your child? If so, our Clarkston, Smyrna and Lithonia, GA, pediatricians at Decatur Pediatric Group, would be happy to provide you with advice. Call (404) 296-7133 to schedule a nutritional evaluation for your child.