What Should My Child be Eating?

For optimum health, your child needs to eat a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates and fats. He or she will also need a variety of vitamins and minerals normally present in these foods.

Protein is mainly found in meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and tofu. Protein helps build and repair your child’s cells. This is important for growth and immune health.

Carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables and grains. Carbohydrates add fiber to your child's diet and provide energy.

Fat, in small amounts, is essential for the development of your child’s nervous system. The healthiest fats are mono- unsaturated or polyunsaturated and come mainly from plant sources.

While you may provide your child with a balanced diet, a number of factors can impact whether or not he or she actually consumes the foods you provide. These factors include non-supervised eating at school or daycare (school or daycare supervisors can rarely afford the time to ensure each child eats what a caring parent has provided), picky eating, and appetite-curbing medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®)

The Picky Eater

Many young children are picky eaters. Some may even appear not to eat enough in a day to keep themselves going. If your child falls into this category, and he or she is healthy and growing normally, you have no need for concern. Children often do not require a lot of calories as growth during childhood is relatively slow. Often, a young child will eat only one meal during a day and a few snacks. This is fine, just as long as you make sure the snacks are not “empty calories” like potato chips or candy bars. If you are concerned about your child’s eating habits, monitor him over a week and you will likely learn that he eats foods from all three food groups.

Childhood Medications

Some medications, particularly those prescribed for ADHD, can suppress a child’s appetite. This may make it difficult for her to obtain all the nutrients that she needs to grow healthy and strong.

If your child’s picky eating or lack of appetite is a concern to you, you should discuss the matter with your family doctor. Providing your little one with a nutritional supplement such as Pediasure® will ensure he receives complete and balanced nutrition.

Complete, Balanced Nutrition

Although they often appear to be eating very little, most children thrive on the food they are given.

Despite this, many parents feel that their child may be lacking one or more nutritional elements. If you have noticed your child is a picky eater, or you simply want to make sure that any gaps in his or her nutrition are filled, you may consider providing your child with Pediasure®, a complete and balanced nutritional supplement available at London Drugs.

Pediasure® is suitable for children aged one to 10 years and is available in three child-pleasing flavours—vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. The 235 ml cans fit easily into a lunch box. Pediasure® may also be used to replace the milk (or other liquid) in muffin, pancake and waffle recipes to give your child’s nutritional intake a boost.

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