Food pyramids, flags, banners, wheels or charts provide general guidelines to help parents understand what a complete and balanced diet looks like. In principle, a balanced diet must consist of 3 to 5 food groups (Grains, Fruits & Vegetables, Proteins, Dairy, Fats & Sugars) and possible alternatives (eg. Pediasure 3+) in every meal. Just remember to base nutrition on needs rather than wants to complement your child’s growing bodies.^{1, 7}

Food Pyramid vs. Healthy Plate Model

The pyramid model is a type of food chart that shows what items you should eat most of till what you should limit. It can include estimated measurements of fats, vitamins, and minerals, proteins and carbohydrates for your children.^{1, 2, 3}

The plate model colorfully represents (easily replicable with real food) the proportions of foods from each of the 5 food groups we should be eating across the day. It does not show too much detail, as it already assumes most of the food items (eg. fats, salts, sugars) are in each individual dish as ingredients.^{1, 2, 4}

Food pyramid Helps Children Develop Healthy Eating Habits

It may seem like young children have an endless supply of energy to run around and keep parents on their toes. Children need a lot of energy and growing bodies require a lot of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and fats for optimal potential.^{1, 2, 3} Following a Food Pyramid or using the Healthy Plate model will help your child develop good relations with food.  With the Food Pyramid as the research and the My Healthy plate as the execution, it is a little less hectic for parents to complete and balance their child’s nutrition. Keep in mind that these are guides and each individual child’s needs are different. Sometimes the Pyramid style can vary according to the culture you are raising your child.⁵

How Pediasure 3+’s benefits can play a part

Food Pyramid is a guide so that your child gets required nutrients like Vitamins A, D, E, K, and protein for amino acids for general well being. Since it is a guide only, due to either picky eating, allergies, and other restrictions, sometimes food alone for nutrition is not enough. This is where Pediasure 3+ comes into play.⁶ PediaSure 3+, available in powder form, now comes enhanced with Arginine, and Natural Vitamin K2 in its 37 nutrients to help support your child achieve optimal height potential.⁸ Available in child favorite flavors of strawberry and vanilla, your child will never miss a growing moment even while snacking. For children who prefer a less sweet taste but enjoy the same benefits, try Pediasure 3+ Sucrose Free. To never miss a growing moment even while snacking, Pediasure is available as Pediasure RPB Ready To Drink format.⁷

The nurturing skills you develop as a parent provide an excellent foundation to build upon. But if you are ever worried that your child’s diet is too limiting, the new and improved complete balanced child nutrition supplement Pediasure 3+ can help. Once you understand your child’s nutritional needs with the Food Pyramid or The Plate, you can take the steps to improve healthy eating habits. Visit Pediasure Myanmar today to sign up for samples.

Whether you are a childcare provider or a grandparent enjoying time with the grandchild or a tired parent juggling childcare with work, you need a few tricks to keep the children healthy. Loved ones definitely know that healthy eating habits now means a lifetime of better health, there are many ways you can use to teach children how to eat healthily. Here are a few helpful guides for parents on looking to improve your child’s eating habits.^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Make sure you understand what good nutrition looks like

From low carbohydrates high fat & protein diets to raw fruits and vegetable routines, diets come in many different names. Whatever it is, as long as the diet contains a balance of proteins, healthy fats, quality carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins and minerals that support children’s growing bodies, it is a good diet. Remember that the closer the finished product is to the original source, the more nutrients it retains, i.e. Boiled potatoes versus potato chips for fiber. Minimally processed vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and natural butters & oils automatically qualify.^{1, 2} If you worried about food not covering their nutritional needs, you can consult with a pediatrician to look for complete balanced child nutrition supplement options (eg. Pediasure 3+, available in Ready to Drink liquid, no. 1 Pediatrician Recommended Brand in the USA⁶).

Don’t Ban Snacks, Know your Healthy Swaps

A common mistake parents make when trying to get their child to eat healthy is banning snacks, sweets, and treats. In reality, do not ban sweets or food types, just research and modify recipes with healthier swaps. Provide real fruit juice with pulp for fiber and nutrient retention to replace sodas and popular junk food drinks. Choose to cook with natural plant or dairy butter or olive oil instead of vegetable oil. To avoid over snacking and ruining appetite for actual meals, schedule in snack sessions and only allow it at the dinner table. Also, instead of handing your child the whole container or bag, portion it out in appropriate servings.^{3, 4}

Take the stress out of getting kids to eat healthy

Try to plan your meals 7 days’ worth at a time and set a planning date which includes grocery shopping with a list. Routine and consistency are key when it comes to building a healthy relationship with food in your children. Start their day with a hearty breakfast as it helps them maintain focus throughout the day and when it comes down to it, follow the Healthy Plate model for the other meals. Depending on your child’s age, gender, and size, the portions will differ, but the principle of the plate to consist of ½ plate of fruits and vegetables, ¼ plate of grains & starches, and ¼ plate of proteins stays the same. Once you understand your child’s hunger cues, you can take the steps to improve healthy eating habits.^{3, 5}

The nurturing skills you develop as a parent provide an excellent foundation to build upon. You control the quality of food and children build off of what they see you do. But if you are ever worried that your child’s diet is too limiting, the new and improved complete balanced child nutrition supplement Pediasure 3+ can help. PediaSure 3+ comes enhanced with Arginine, Natural Vitamin K2 in the 37 nutrients formulation to help support your child in achieving optimal growth potential.^^ And for parent’s convenience, the classic Pediasure 3+ is available in Ready to Drink liquid format in child favorite flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. This is so that your child will never miss a growing moment even while snacking.

If you would like to try before going for the full course, visit Pediasure Myanmar today to sign up for free samples.

Though growth and development are used interchangeably, they are somewhat different from each other. Nature (genes, environment) and nurture (nutrition) both contribute to the growth and development of a child. Although what a child comes equipped with from their parents genetically, what they eat (food and supporting nutrition like Pediasure 3+) and where they grow up makes a big difference. Here are a few factors to look into if you ever feel if your child is not “growing” like you want them to.^{1, 6}

Nature’s Influence

A child’s body develops in response to the environment and nurture of their loved ones. Your child’s perceived height and body structure depends on your own and of the generations before. But that does not mean you cannot provide the right nutrition and nurturing tools to maximize growth, or even surpass what is expected.^{1, 2} This means that nutrition can be the key to unlocking growth and keep your child’s growth on the right track. Check if your child is getting proper 3 meals a day with snacks in between, their picky eating habits, or does their diet consist of high calories, but little nutrition? These questions matter because they are very important factors that affect growth. To get a better understanding of your child’s maximum growth potential, we would like to introduce the Growth Percentile Calculator on the Pediasure Myanmar website. With an input of your child’s gender, birth date, their height, their weight, mother’s height and father’s height in your choice of measurement system, you will get your child’s growth potential.⁸

Nutrition’s Assurance         

Can my child’s height be increased? Yes, and for this, nutrition plays a critical role because malnutrition or overeating leads to health problems that adversely affect the growth. Important nutrients that support healthy growth are vitamins (K2, D, Leafy vegetables), minerals (Calcium, milk, soy, nuts), amino acids (Arginine, red meat, chicken, Pumpkin seeds), proteins (eggs, beans, fish), carbohydrates (whole grains, quinoa, whole-wheat couscous and brown rice) and fats (nuts, nut oils). Vitamin D will help your child’s body absorb calcium, the main component of bones, for better bone quality and linear growth. Vitamin C and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables will help support immunity so that your child can spend more days growing.^{3, 4, 5}

Nature matters as much as a complete and balanced diet in a child’s overall growth and development. Carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and fiber in required amounts per meal comprise a healthy and balanced diet. Always choose healthier options, but when food alone is not enough or you are faced with a picky eater, Pediasure 3+ can help. PediaSure 3+ is a source of complete balanced child nutrition formulated with 37 vital nutrients, including Arginine and Natural Vitamin K2 to support catch-up growth in children who need it.^^ Pediasure 3+ can be served on its own, with meals, or as a snack as per Pediatrician’s directions.

If you would like to try before going for the full course, visit Pediasure Myanmar today to sign up for free samples.

Fruit juicing is a great option for children to get their nutritional needs met while providing a form of hydration. Since not all juices are created equal, homemade versions with no added sugar and pulp included is best. Concentrating on main meals will provide your child with the bulk of nutrients, but the food in between, especially beverages, matter too.² Hydration is what will help your child’s body run efficiently and feel strong. Do not forget about milk either as it is one of the key drinks for strong bones.⁵ But if milk alone is not enough, Pediasure, a child nutritional supplement, can provide additional support.⁶

Always Choose Water First

Water is not only essential in quenching your child’s thirst, but is also vital for the functions of every cell in their body. Coming in at 0 calories per serving, it is what will help transport nutrients where they are needed. On average, a child who gets 4 to 8 cups of water a day, depending & physical activity, has a more stable mood, can concentrate better, and has improved memory retention. To promote consumption of water, infuse with natural fruits, make ice cubes with fruit pieces, have natural fruit juice popsicles, or fruits high in water content. Examples of such fruits are watermelons, pineapples, and cucumbers.¹

Natural Fruit Juices Hold More Nutrients

Though store bought packaged fruit juices contain some fortified vitamins and minerals, they are ladened with sugar and little to no healthy fibers homemade juice has. Juicing is a good way to get your child to eat their daily fruit serving, so as long as you include the pulp. And juicing is not just limited to fruits, but you can also include some vegetables like cucumbers and carrots.² A juice containing apples, pears, oranges to mask the flavor of healthy leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, your child can get vitamin A & C (to support immune function), vitamin K1 (to support bone health), and vitamin B6 to help the conversion of food into energy.³

Milk and Alternatives          

Cow’s milk is a good source of vitamin D, Calcium, and Protein, all important for supporting muscle health and bone strength to catch up on growth for children. It is recommended that a child who can drink cow’s milk, should at least have 2 servings (250 ml per serving) along with other nutrients from food to fulfill daily needs.^{4, 5}

Equally, plant-based milks from soy, almonds, can provide similar vitamins and minerals, but often those products are not favored by children for taste. For this, parents may have to find child nutrition supplements to make up for what is missing from not drinking milk. For example, PediaSure child nutrition supplement has been formulated with 37 vital nutrients, arginine and vitamin K2 to provide extra support for growth where it is needed. ^^ Coming in a child approved taste, Pediasure powder format is adaptable into shakes and can even be made into popsicles to provide your child with a fun way to get daily required vitamins and minerals.

Want to get a sample? Please visit Pediasure Myanmar today to sign up.⁶

As a parent, you find yourself holding back frustrations more and more against your child’s picky eating habits. Your frustrations are valid, but so are your child’s taste preferences because they are still developing. If you are worried about them not getting all the important nutrients because of their pickiness, there are plenty of swaps so they do not miss out on nourishment. Nourishment is the slice of life and through food manipulation, creative swaps and a little help from nutritional supplements (eg. Pediasure) in the meantime, help put your child’s diet on track so that they grow up happy.^{1, 7}

Veggie Dislikes: Tomatoes, cucumbers, green capsicum, cabbage

Alternatives: Usually children have an aversion to these classic items due to their texture and the strong ‘green’ smell. They have plenty of water, rich in antioxidant vitamin C, bone strength supporting vitamin K, eye health & immunity supporting vitamin A. To not miss out on these important nutrients, swap with a variety of colorful sweet potatoes, sweet oranges, strawberries, watermelons, or pumpkins or their seeds.^{1, 4}

Meat Dislikes: Most fish and boiled eggs

Alternatives: Aside from any allergies, fish and eggs are disliked due to their, for lack of better description, fishy and sulfur like smell. To get cell preserving selenium, brain & eye development supporting fatty acids, and all-important protein for muscles, swap with free range chicken, Brazil nuts, any cheese, and nut oils or butters.^{1, 4}

Grain Dislikes: Oates, corn, brown rice

Alternatives: Children do not like these fibrous and healthy carbohydrates rich foods because of their hard and flavorless taste on their own. Fiber is important for satiation and bulking stool to help with bowls. It is also important for feeding the good bacteria in the gut to fight off the bad ones to support your child’s immune system. To make up for it, swap fruit purees, fruit juices with pulp, homemade jams, natural sun-dried fruits, or fortified cereals or oatmeals.^{1, 2, 3}

Can supplements replace a few of the swaps?

The easiest way to get children used to the common dislikes is to start them early and feed them often. When shopping, learn to read labels because it is not that your child cannot have ‘junk food’, they can if you make it at home where you can control and swap with healthier ingredients. If you still need a little help filling in some nutritional gaps, supplements can help. Choose versatile supplements in powder or liquid form that contain the essential growth nutrients like vitamin C, K, A, selenium, high quality proteins, and prebiotic fibers. For example, Pediasure, recommended by experts nationwide,^{5, 6} contains the right proportion of 37 key nutrients, including the ones mentioned, to promote the development of strong bones and build muscle tissue. Speak with a registered pediatrician to see if PediaSure is right for your child.⁷

Request a Free Sample Today!

References:

1. https://pediasurearabia.com/ae/en/healthy-eating-tips/want-to-win-over-a-child/yuck-o-meter
2. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Kids-Need-Fiber-Heres-Why-and-How.aspx
3. https://fitbottomedgirls.com/2011/08/mission-get-the-kids-to-like-whole-grains/
4. https://www.thedailymeal.com/cook/top-15-foods-kids-hate-eat-and-how-make-them-change-their-minds-slideshow
5. Alarcon P et al. Pediatr.2003; 42: 209-217
6. Huynh DTT. et al. J Hum Diet: doi 10-1111/jhn. 12306
7. https://pediasuremyanmar.com/formulation-support/

The role of nutrients such as Vitamin D, calcium, protein, and fiber are front runners in supporting a child’s growth and development. On the other hand, Arginine and Vitamin K2 are necessary for the efficiency of the other nutrients, as well as being essential for building stronger and longer bones in children.^{1, 2} The good news is that most of these vital nutrients are probably in your child’s current favorite foods and are not really hard to get. But if a little help is needed, be open to providing nutritional supplements (eg. Pediasure).⁷

What is Arginine and Vitamin K2 and how they help growth

Arginine – also known as L-arginine, is an amino acid responsible for promoting cell multiplication for improving muscle and bone strength. As 60%³ of a child’s growth for height happens in the first five years, adequate Arginine in a child’s diet can prevent stunting in the future. Aside from supporting the quality of bones and muscles, Arginine helps in wound healing, dilating and relaxing arteries for improved blood flow.^{1, 3}

Vitamin K2 – is a nutrient that helps activate certain proteins that help bones absorb calcium. Without vitamin K2, calcium will go to waste and bones can become brittle if they are deprived of it for a long time. Unlike Arginine, the body does not naturally produce it and it has to come mostly from food. If a child is lacking in vitamin K2, your child may not be able to take advantage of the crucial growth years.^{1, 3}

Where to get it          

Food: Arginine is an amino acid and is found in many food items that contain other types of amino acids. Items like nuts (e.g. walnuts, peanuts, almonds), grains, legumes, meat (e.g. turkey), seafood, eggs, and dairy products are good sources of Arginine. For a healthy snack option, provide your child with pumpkin seeds as 1 cup of contains nearly 7 grams of amino acids.^{1, 2} As for vitamin K2, you can get it from meat and cured or curdled dairy products like yogurt, and cheese or soy alternative.¹

Supplements: Because vitamin K2 is not stored in the body and foods associated with it (e.g. fermented items and strong cheese), are not children’s favorites, nutritional supplementation is required. To ensure they are well nourished, consider adding Pediasure to their diet.^{4, 7} Formulated with 37 vital nutrients, including all important Arginine and vitamin K2, complete and balance out a picky eater’s diet. Also working together with high quality proteins and filling fibers, Pediasure can help regulate their appetite.⁵

A complete and balanced nutrition is very important for children in their crucial years of growth. We often think of vitamins D, E, C, Calcium and Protein as the most important for growth, but they need both Arginine and K2 to help with efficiency of absorption. Pediasure 3+ comes complete and balanced with essential nutrients for your child for optimal development when a little help additional to food is needed.

Want to try some Pediasure? Visit Pediasure Myanmar today to request free samples Pedisure 3+ Free Trial.

References:

1. https://vietnamnews.vn/what-are-vitamin-k2-and-arginine-and-why-are-they-so-important-to-children-growth/614#:~:text=It%20promotes%20the%20multiplication%20of,D.
2. https://www.webmd.com/diet/top-foods-high-in-arginine
3. https://thefilipinodoctor.com/article/abbott-introduces-the-new-pediasure-plus-with-arginine-and-natural-vitamin-k2
4. https://abbottnutrition.com.my/products/pediasure
5. Alarcon PA, et al. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2003
6. Huynh DT, et al. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2015

Every child grows differently and it is a joy for most parents to see them meeting all the good milestones. Height problems in children if not treated can cause stunted growth and physical disabilities. Though there is no one measure way to identify delays as development is always on-going. Using weight/height charts or keeping track of milestones are easy ways to see what is going well and when to be concerned. Besides consulting a medical professional, the right combination of physical activity, fresh healthy foods, and age-appropriate nutritional supplements (eg. Pediasure) when necessary, can help put your child’s growth back on track.^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8}

Importance of weight/height charts to keep track of growth milestones

Examples of milestones would be their first word, when they lost their first tooth, showing favorite interests, clear expression of feelings, or made a major decision on their own. Weight and height charts help you visually compare right away if your child meets the average set of the two measurements for their age. It also helps keep track of how much they have grown and weight gain or loss and bring to light any height problems in children.^{2, 3, 4}

As much as an underweight child can have delays in developmental, obese children can develop blood glucose and cholesterol related diseases early on. There are many levels of weight and height chart sets available online, but your local Pediatrician or related Medical Professional can provide a more culturally and locally relevant one for easier understanding. Keep a chart of your child’s height, weight, and age it was recorded at for better consultation.^{1, 5}

What should be done if there are signs of slow growth?

Signs of slowed growth are slowed speech, slow and fatigued movements, have height problems, have mood swings, do not play well, and behind others in education. If you are really concerned about your child’s development, act early and consult a doctor. Besides behavioral issues, a child’s healthy gain in height for age and weight signals an efficient nutritional intake for proper bone and muscle health. ^{2, 4, 5}

On average, a 5 years old child should be about 16.47 kg to 20.28 kg in weight and at 104.90 cm to 112.27 cm in height depending on gender.⁶ If a child is short for their age, aside from genetics, they may be lacking in bone growth nutrients like arginine, vitamin K2, D, zinc and muscle health (to support mobility and holding up the body) essential amino acids. Even if your child is eating well, take a hard look at their food because though there may be calories, they are low in nutrients. Along with nutritional adjustments, limit opportunities to be sedentary, sign them up for school activities, and model a healthier lifestyle as a parent. Exercise and frequent physical activity will help build stronger muscles and bones by stimuli for the body to adapt.^{5, 7}

Nutritional supplement option

Feed your child plenty of beans, lean chicken without skin, nuts, spinach, cabbage, yogurt, sweet potatoes, eggs, berries, salmon, and milk for starters. These items are packed full of, to name a few, protein, vitamins B, E, C, D, K, A, calcium, omega fatty acids, and prebiotics, that not only support growth, but takes care of gut health and immunity.⁷ For a more rounded support, parents can get nutritional support from child nutritional supplements when food alone is not enough. For situations like this, nutritional supplements like PediaSure® come in handy. Each of Pediasure’s scientifically formulated range of products are packed full of a total of 37 essential nutrients that include the key growth supporting D, B6, C, K, calcium, and iron.⁸

Find out which one works for your child by consulting a pediatrician or visit Pediasure Myanmar for more information and free samples and begin a journey to keep your children’s growth on track.

References:

1. https://edn.ne.gov/cms/resources/staying-on-track-as-your-child-grows-and-learns
2. https://childcare.gov/consumer-education/tracking-your-childs-development
3. https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/clinical_charts.htm
4. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-5yr.html
5. https://pediasure.com.ph/kids-children-growth-milestones
6. https://pediasure.com.ph/growth-milestones/achieve-normal-height-and-weight
7. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-make-you-taller#1.-Beans
8. https://abbottfamily.com.sg/products/page/pediasure

One line of defense in a child’s body against illnesses is the gut. Within the gut, there are good live bacteria called probiotics that help with digestion and fight off the bad bacteria. A child is naturally equipped with a mix of probiotics and prebiotics (fibers that are food for the probiotics) and the nutrition they receive affects how this microbiome develops and boosts immunity health. There are many types of probiotics and they each have a positive purpose. For complete and balanced nutritional benefits, support your child’s with probiotic rich foods and nutritional supplements enriched with probiotic properties and prebiotic fibers (eg. Pediasure) when need be.^{1, 2, 6}

Why are Probiotics important?

The combined system of prebiotics and probiotics is called synbiotics.^{1, 2} The right mix of the two can ensure that the probiotics survive and thrive to take care of a child’s health through the gut. An unhealthy balance, when the bad bacteria outweigh the good probiotics, health problems like constipation, diarrhoea, inflamed allergies, and a hampered immune system. Probiotics boost the immune system by aiding in digestion and releasing immunity boosting vitamins (A, B6, C), minerals (selenium, zinc, iron) that are in food.^{4, 6} Meaning probiotics aid in production of the natural antibodies to fight off infections.

Best food sources

There are many varieties of probiotic rich foods, and through those is how your child should get the most. So as long as your child is eating plenty of fresh foods full of immune supporting vitamins, minerals and prebiotic fibers, the probiotics will thrive. Here are some of the best food sources of probiotic rich foods. Remember to take it slow when increasing serving size or introducing them to your child. Too much at a time may not give a child’s body to get used to it:

Vegetarian options: pickled vegetables, peas, kimchi, tempeh/miso, apple cider vinegar, brined olives, sourdough bread, fortified foods ^{4, 5}

Non vegan options: kefir, cheese, fresh yogurt or fortified yogurt ^{3, 4}

Supporting Prebiotic fiber food: asparagus, onions, wheat, oats, mango ³

Can parents provide formula or nutritional supplements for probiotics instead?

Children are children and have picky taste buds and food items, especially the probiotic rich kind, have strong flavors. The best probiotic food option for picky eaters is yogurt. The best kind of nutritional supplement is the kind that has both probiotic and prebiotic properties to provide the best support.^{3, 4} For when food alone is not enough, nutritional supplements like PediaSure® come in handy. Each of Pediasure’s scientifically formulated range of products are packed full of the key immunity supporting vitamins and minerals (A, B6, C, selenium, zinc, iron), probiotic properties and prebiotic fibers, a total of 37 essential nutrients, to support gut health and immunity boosting. Find out which one works for your child by consulting a pediatrician or visit Pediasure Myanmar for more information and samples.^{6, 7}

Request a Free Sample Today!

References:

1. https://www.nutriciaresearch.com/immunology/supporting-the-immune-system-through-nutrition/
2. https://nutricia.com.au/aptamil/parents-corner/first-weeks/synbiotics-and-child-gut-health/
3. https://mamaknowsnutrition.com/probiotic-foods-for-kids/#probiotics-probiotic-foods
4. https://www.laurafuentes.com/probiotic-foods/
5. https://weelicious.com/probiotic-foods-for-kids/
6. https://abbottfamily.com.sg/products/page/pediasure
7. https://pediasuremyanmar.com/

From taste preference to fear of trying new foods, a child’s picky eating behavior varies. Some parents just let their child eat whatever they want, so long as they are eating something. But parents should pay attention to their child’s diet because it can affect how well they grow up. From finding out why they may be undernourished to providing a variety of foods and food alternatives, here is a more in depth look at why paying attention is important.^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

How their bone health are affected

Childhood bone health is important because that is when they will reach peak bone mass until the age of 18. If bones are undernourished, they can become brittle, potentially develop osteoporosis, and stunt growth. Bones are always breaking down and renewing and if they are not sufficiently supported, they will eat away at their reserves, thus causing weakening bones.^{1, 4}

Why they can become more prone to illnesses

Micronutrients support the production of antibodies and the development of the immune system. Lack of proper nutrition in children leads to weight loss, lowered immunity, and inefficient response to invasions by pathogens. Also a child who is often ill has malabsorption of nutrients, thus triggering a difficult to deal with health cycle.^{1, 3, 5}

Tips to combat

Potential bone growth and immunity effects are preventable by paying close attention to your child’s appetite, providing high quality nutrition, fortification, and nutritional supplements if need be.

1. Check your child’s snacking habits – are they eating too much between meals? What you feed your child is as important as how much they will eat. If your child will not eat full meals, divide the food of the day into 5 to 6 small meals according to their weight, gender, and height.^{2, 3}
2. Avoid distractions – it is common to eat in front of the TV, one factor being it is the only time a family can be together. It is a positive in part, but the TV or any forms of media like phones or toys can distract a child away from focusing on the meal. Have a cut off time of these things before meals and put away toys out of sight from the dining table.^{2, 3}
3. Provide a variety of foods and food alternatives – force feeding or compensating too much with foods they love can create negative feelings of food. Mixing it up with foods they like and do not like, be sure to include sufficient servings of each of the 5 food groups (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy, and protein) throughout the day. Balanced nutrition is key, but the important ones for bones and immunity are Vitamin C and Calcium. If you are worried that your child will not eat enough mushrooms, spinach, eggs, or nuts, child nutritional supplements like Pediasure can help. Enriched with 37 nutrients, just 5 scoops of versatile Pediasure powder can provide the same amount of calcium from 1 big cup of milk and 3 giant strawberries worth of Vitamin C. Together with fresh food, Pediasure can fill in gaps to support bone health and immunity in the pickiest of eaters.^{2, 4, 5, 6}

Request a Free Sample Today!

References:

1. https://pediasurearabia.com/ae/en/what-is-pediaSure/right-appettite
2. https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=637&language=English
3. https://www.rileychildrens.org/connections/your-childs-appetite-has-changed-when-to-worry
4. https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/juvenile#2
5. https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/46/10/1582/294025
6. https://pediasure.in/about-pediasure/pediasure-product-formulation

The term that we are what we eat holds some truth. You might even notice it yourself that higher quality food and fresher options keeps you feeling good. This aspect is especially important for children as their higher education years bring stress and their brains need a balanced nutrition, either through fresh natural food or supporting supplements. A child’s brain is the most complex part of their young bodies and never stops running so which nutrient is best for it? It is really all of them, but here are 3; protein, iron, and water; especially important brain foods that will help children study well.^{1, 2, 5}

Proteins

Proteins make up the brain cells responsible for communication. Since these cells are also important for other parts of the body’s functionality, a daily serving of high-quality protein, especially in the morning, can kickstart neurons. For better retention of memory and positive mood, serve a hearty omelet loaded with vegetables and a glass of milk. If your child does not have a big appetite, a bowl of rice with boiled lean chicken or oatmeal with milk or child-friendly nutritional supplements are other options.^{1, 2, 4}

Irons

Iron is critical for the brain’s cellular process and helps your child’s stay focused longer while studying and pay attention to the teacher during lectures. Iron deficiency is known to cause slower mental development in children so it is really important. Lunchtime is the best meal to provide your child with plenty of iron rich foods for ample nourishment. If you pack lunch, replace potato chips with baked black beans or roasted sweet potatoes. Easy to eat vegetable sticks or steamed snap peas can be healthy alternatives. Remember to include an appropriate portion of whole grain rice for the filling up factor as a child on a full stomach can function better.^{1, 3}

Water

The brain is soft tissue and consists of about 73% water. A well hydrated brain is better at manufacturing hormones and neurotransmitters for thinking and stronger stress retention. Throughout your child’s meals, provide them with fresh water to drink and when at school, remember to pack a water bottle which they can refill once it is empty. Instead of giving your child packaged sodas or juices, switch with homemade fruit infused water. Not only will they remain hydrated, they will also get other brain food nutrients as well.^{2, 3}

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References:

1. https://abbottfamily.com.sg/articles/school/exams
2. https://au.reachout.com/articles/foods-that-help-our-brain-study
3. https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-you-water-and-human-body?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects
4. https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/kids_brain_foods