Nourishing the Body and Mind: 3 Pillars of Nutrition for Kids

​Good nutrition is the cornerstone of a child's physical and mental development. With it being preventative health month, this is third in a series of blog articles this month speaking to approaches in supporting wellbeing, and maintaining health as a preventative strategy! Here are three structured strategies to support your child's dietary needs:

1. Balanced Diet:

• Variety and Moderation: Incorporate a diverse range of foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy—to provide essential nutrients. A balanced plate promotes growth and cognitive development (Brown & Summerbell, 2009).
• Limit Processed Foods: Minimize intake of processed snacks and sugary beverages to prevent obesity and related health issues (Ludwig et al., 2001).

2. Regular Meal Times:

• Consistency: Establish consistent meal and snack times to regulate metabolism and energy levels throughout the day, supporting both physical activity and concentration (Nicklas et al., 2004).
• Family Meals: Shared meals can encourage healthier eating patterns and provide a platform for emotional bonding (Hammons & Fiese, 2011).

3. Healthy Relationship with Food:

• Education: Teach children about nutrition and involve them in meal planning and preparation to foster a lifelong healthy relationship with food (Birch & Ventura, 2009).
• Positive Reinforcement: Encourage healthy choices through positive reinforcement rather than restrictive practices to avoid developing negative associations with food (Birch & Ventura, 2009).

​By implementing these key strategies, you can lay a strong foundation for your child's nutrition, leading to improved physical health and mental acuity.

If you have questions or are looking for more information, email me [email protected], I would be happy to provide you with a referral to a Naturopath or Nutritionist. I am Nicole Levy, and I am here as your helping hand.