It can be difficult to know what to feed your child. The internet is full of misinformation that thrives off of reactionary articles that get attention for being extreme – not for being accurate. Not to mention the difficulties that come with navigating the modern food industry.

Follow Their Pediatrician’s Advice

Doctors are going to understand the modern landscape of children’s health better than you will. They also will know how to tell the difference between misinformation and scientifically viable data. They will be able to tell you what is best for your child. 

They will also be able to diagnose any potential problems that your child has, as well as prescribe or suggest proper treatments. Ultimately, it is always in your best interest to trust your doctor. Make sure that your child follows the instructions that their doctor gives them.

Look at the Ingredients

Companies are legally required to be honest about what their products contain. You should always check the ingredients to make sure that it doesn’t contain inordinate amounts of unhealthy fats, sugars, or sweeteners. Be on the lookout for corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup especially. 

Learn how much a gram is – since many companies actually put the amount of sugar in grams so that consumers won’t know how much sugar is in their product. Also make sure to check the serving size, since oftentimes the company will be telling you nutrition facts about a fraction of the entire package. Even granola bars often contain a lot of added sugars.

A Healthy Balance

At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is make sure that your child gets a healthy balance of proper nutrients from a variety of sources. Carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, and fresh ingredients need to all be present. That’s not always easy with a picky eater – but don’t be afraid to try new things! Fresh produce is absolutely essential for a growing child. And beyond their diet… you need to make sure that they are getting enough outside activity and exercise. Only then will your child have the proper healthy balance that they need.

Avoid forcing kids to finish everything on  their plate. Let your child to tell you when they are full and finished eating. They will naturally regulate the amount they eat. Be sure to have new foods at the ready. It may take up to 10 or15 times of offering a food before your child will want to eat it.  Introduce new foods one at a time and be sure to offer it with foods that your child already enjoys.

Research and education are very important when it comes to preparing and helping your children to eat healthy. Make sure you know what ingredients you’re looking at. Don’t hesitate to search for an ingredient that you aren’t familiar with. Provide the balance that they need, and you’ll both be happy with how they grow.