It’s no secret that eating healthy foods is one of the cornerstones to a long life and lasting health, but it’s especially important that your kids eat healthy, too!

It can be easy to sacrifice the nutritional value of your child’s food for convenience, but we urge you not to do that! Our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team explains why below, so read on.

Why Is Good Nutrition So Important for Kids?

Children grow at an extremely fast rate, so they need proper nutrients to grow and stay healthy and strong.

Plus, when you allow your kids to eat healthy, it helps to establish a foundation for future healthy eating habits! If you are unsure what nutrients are most important for your children, we’ve listed some key ones below.

Key Nutrients for Children

• Calcium—Calcium is needed to develop strong, healthy bones and teeth. Milk is one of the best sources of much-needed calcium. Some other calcium-rich foods include yogurt, broccoli and spinach.
• Fiber—Not only does fiber prevent heart disease and other conditions, but it also helps aid digestion and prevents constipation.
• Water—Yes, water! Water makes up more than half of kids’ body weight and is needed to keep all parts of the body functioning properly.

How Can I Get My Child to Eat Healthier?

It’s no secret that eating healthy isn’t the most “fun” option for kids, but it’s so important for their future and current development!

To help pique their interest in healthier foods, practice teaching your child about the importance of good nutrition. The more your child understands about nutrition, the more excited he or she will be about eating healthy. Alongside healthy eating, a CDC-recommended hour of exercise per day is equally as important.

Ways to Help Your Child Be Interested in Exercise

• Purchase simple exercise equipment like a jump rope or hula hoop.
• Challenge kids with a timer. Oftentimes children are more willing to do something if it is a competition!
• Offer rewards such as an extra snack or a slightly later bedtime for less screen time and more physical activity.

If you have any questions or general concerns about your child’s health, our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team is here for you.